Gwynedd Archaeological Trust
Regional Historic Environment Record

Cross, Penmon Priory Church

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 2543
Trust : Gwynedd
Community : Llangoed
Unitary authority : Ynys Mon
NGR : SH6304880730
Site Type (preferred type first) : EARLY MEDIEVAL CROSS
Status : National Trust

Description :
A free-standing cross c.1000 in Deer Park (SH62628082), which is said to have formerly stood close to the Priory church. It is in good condition but quite weathered. <1>

The cross stands 450 yards WNW of St. Seriol's church and it is heavily ornamented with key patterns and interlace. Panels with 'St. Anthony' and two demons c.1000. (RCAHMW, 1937)

The cross was removed to the Priory Church in 1977 to prevent further deterioration through weathering. Excavations produced no evidence that this was the original site of the cross. <3> <4>

It is a good example of the N Britain style. Wheel cross with slender shafts and typical Gauts combination of ring chain, two cord plait, fret pattern. <5> <6>

For a description of the ornament see Nash Williams 1950. <9>

Placed in the guardianship of the Ministry of Works, Ancient Monuments Branch in 1940 (Arch Cam Vol. C, 1949).

Illustrations of Penmon Priory Cross (Jones, 1849).

An article that includes illustrated interpretation and discussion regarding the decoration on Penmon Cross. (Hughes 1922).


Sources :
Christopher Smith , 1980 , The Cross in Penmon Deer Park: Excavations during its removal to the Priory Church in January 1977 , Transactions of the Anglesey Antiquarian Society and Field Club : 1980 : 101-110
Holme, G. , 1926 , Transactions of the Anglesey Antiquarian Society and Field Club.
Hughes, H. , 1922 , Early Christian Decorative Art In Anglesey
Inspector of Ancient Monuments for Wales , 1949 , Inspector of Ancient Monuments for Wales
Longley, D. , 2006 , St. Seiriol's Church and Prior's House, Penmon ( © GAT)
Longueville Jones, H. , 1849 , Mona Mediaeva
Pritchard, W. , 1914 , Anglesey Folklore , Transactions of the Anglesey Antiquarian Society and Field Club : 1914 : 35-70
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales , 1937 , An Inventory of the Ancient Monuments in Anglesey
Unnamed Author , 1895 , Excursions , Archaeologia Cambrensis : XII : p.134-158
Waddington, K. , 2010 , Early Celtic Societies in North Wales
Waddington, K. , 2013 , The Settlements of Northwest Wales: From the Late Bronze Age to the Early Medieval Period
Walker, D. , 1985-1988 , Churches on Anglesey: Notes, Drawings and Photos
Walker, D. , 1985-1988 , Notes on Stone Imagery from Ecclesiastical Sites, Anglesey
Walker, D. , 1985-1988 , Parish Church Index Cards
Ordnance Survey , 1967 , SH68SW 2 , <1>
Smith, C. , 1980 , Transactions of the Anglesey Antiquarian Society , <3>
Ordnance Survey , 1980 , SH68SW 2 , <4>
Shetelig, H. , 1954 , Viking Antiquities in Great Britain Pt.VI , <5>
Collingwood, R. G. , 1927 , Northumbrian Crosses of the Pre-Norman Age , <6>
Nash Williams, V. E. , 1950 , Early Christian Monuments of Wales , <9>
Lynch, F. , 2009 , Anglesey Past Landscapes of the Coast , <12>
Westwood, J. , 1879 , Lapidarium Walliae: The Early Inscribed and Sculptured Stones of Wales , <14>

Events :
40667 : St Seriol's Church and Prior's House, Penmon (year : 2006)
44557 : Early Celtic Societies in North Wales (year : 2010)

Related records

Compiled date : 31-10-1982


The above data are supplied by GAT in partnership with its Local Authorities (Anglesey, Conwy and Gwynedd County Councils, and Snowdonia National Park Authority), © GAT 2025 (and in part © Crown, 2025 - as indicated)
This information is supplied for the purposes of personal interest only and may not be used as part of a commercial project.
March 29, 2025, 2:35 am - HTML file produced from Gwynedd Archaeological Trust Regional HER
Gwynedd Archaeological Trust, Craig Beuno, Garth Road, Bangor, Gwynedd.  LL57 2RT
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