Carew Cross, Carew, United Kingdom

Carew Cross is an important example of an 11th-century memorial Celtic cross and is believed to commemorate the brother of Hywel ab Edwin, Maredudd ab Edwin of Deheubarth, who died in 1035. The brothers were joint rulers of Deheubarth, and the cross is thought to date from around the time of Maredudd's death. It was first known to be placed in Carew, Pembrokeshire, from around 1690. The previous location for the stone is unknown. It is suspected that when it was moved to Carew, it was as ornamentation for nearby Carew Castle. The damage to the cross, where part of the stone has flaked away, occurred prior to 1690.

In 1811, the cross stood on a low plinth. The plinth was altered around 15 years later to align it with the newly lowered road. The top stone became dislodged in 1844, and it was re-set in the slot with lead. The cross was moved away from the road in 1925, and again during the Second World War, when it was relocated to the nearby castle for protection. Following the war, it was placed back by the roadside, but on at a new position.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Gregory Smith (2 years ago)
Great carvings on the stone. Easy parking

Pete / Hel Havard (2 years ago)
‘The Cross of Margiteut son of Etguin’, excellent example of Celtic design, lovely little castle and walk as well.

Eric Friend (3 years ago)
You've not just got an ancient cross to see, but a castle and tidal Mill, plus a great village pub.

michael anderson (4 years ago)
Superbly carved 11th Celtic Cross, one of the finest in Wales. Situated next to the car park for Carew Castle, the cross is easy to find and view. It is very close to the road which makes it difficult to clearly look at one side of it unless you cross over the road by the Carew Inn. If you visit the castle don't miss seeing the Cross.

Marcus Lodwick (5 years ago)
Iconic. Absolutely stunning. To quote CADW: "Standing an impressive 13ft/4m in height, this exceptional, intricately carved Celtic cross is believed to be a memorial to a fallen Welsh king. A Latin inscription on the base of the monument has been translated as ‘The Cross of Margiteut son of Etguin’, thought to be a reference to Mareddud, a descendent of law-maker Hywel Dda, who ruled the ancient kingdom Deheubarth and died in battle in 1035. Alongside the inscription, the cross is carved with elaborate patterns of knots and plaits. Ancient Celtic design at its finest, it has contemporary relevance as inspiration for our very own Cadw logo."

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Wikimedia Commons

Historic Site of the week

Château du Lude

The Château du Lude is one of the many great châteaux of the Loire Valley in France. Le Lude is the most northerly château of the Loire Valley and one of the last important historic castles in France, still inhabited by the same family for the last 260 years. The château is testimony to four centuries of French architecture, as a stronghold transformed into an elegant house during the Renaissance and the 18th century. The monument is located in the valley of Le Loir. Its gardens have evolved throughout the centuries.

Carew Cross

Address

Details

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Château du Lude