The remains of a memorial cross have been found at Alnmouth which show that a church existed there in Anglian times. (1).
In the summer of 1789 two fragments of a pre-Conquest cross, probably memorial, were found at the mouth of the River Aln, near the ruins of a church (NU 21 SW 14), which has since disappeared. They are very richly sculptured. (2)
The height of the two fragments of this inscribed cross is 3 feet and their greatest width is 1ft 5in. On the front is a representation of our Lord upon the cross, with thieves on each side of him. Two soldiers stand at the foot of the cross, one holding the spear and another the reed. At the top of this side is a single line of inscription viz:
(HL VDWYG-MEH-FEG(DE) ie 'Hludwyg me fixed'
The central portion of the back of the stone is defaced, but the other parts of it are filled with bold, but graceful knot-work, and a single line of inscription viz:
MVREDEH - MEH - WO(RHTE) ie 'Myredeh me wrought'
The narrow sides of the shaft have been decorated with a pattern similar to that seen on other parts of the stone, and on one side there are three short lines of inscription viz:
SAV(L) EADVLFES THR(VH).
The first word is some form of exhortation, the other two may mean 'Eadulf's Grave'.
With the exception of two or perhaps three Runic characters, the whole inscription is formed of Roman letters. Now preserved in the Museum at Alnwick Castle. (3)
Found July 1789...(Similar info to T1(3))... the only runes made use of in the inscription are 'P' for 'W' in HLUDWYG and WORTHE and D for 'TH' in THRUH and also perhaps 'F' for 'A' in MYREDAH. (4)
Appears to be of 9th or 10th century (5).
Probably 10th century date. (6)
(NU 24601012) There is no definite proof that this cross was found in position indicated, but it has been sited here to agree with description of site of discovery in Authority 1. The two fragments are in the Museum of Alnwick Castle and measure 0.9m high x 0.4m wide x 0.15m broad when placed on top of each other. The stones have a Runic/Roman inscription on them described in Authority 5. (7)
Part of a cross-shaft, in two pieces now joined together. Donated to Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1958 and presently located in the Museum of Antiquities, accession no 1958.8.N. Damaged and worn in places. Inscriptions on three faces; on faces A and B they
are in Anglo-Saxon capitals, language uncertain; face C in Old English uses Anglo-Saxon capitals and runes.
Face A reads, [-V-]; face B upper reads [S]AV, and lower reads [.A]DV / LFESD; face C reads M[Y]REDaH.MEH.wO[] (Myredah made me).
Face A (broad) bears a crucifixion scene; face B (narrow) panels of interlace and key pattern divided by inscriptions; face C (broad) partial remains of two interlace panels and inscription; face D (narrow) key pattern.
The cross is linked with Lindisfarne. Date, late 9th to early 10th century. (Extensive bibliography). (8)
The interpretation of the crucifixion scene with two thieves each side of the cross may be a misinterpretation. The figures may represent Ecclesia and Synagogue. The iconography of the Alnmouth crucifixion is not a regional type and a model of the Metz school of ivory type may lie behind it. This would confirm a 10th century date. (9)
Cross-shaft, probably late 9th/early 10th century. Discovered in 1789 by Rev J Brand 'near the ruins of the old church, commonly called 'Woden's Church' at Alemouth'. Measures 915mm x 425-372mm x 165-127mm. In two pieces. Incomplete. [Description of carving as Authority 8]. Cross belongs to panelled group of Bernicia. The maker formula is very rare in Anglo-Saxon sculpture. The name 'Myredah' is the only attested Irish name on an Anglo-Saxon artefact. (10)
Now in Alnwick Museum. (11)