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Ellerburn
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Page 2
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Page 2 of 2
The first three photographs show carvings around the chancel arch. The spirals are thought to represent Whitby ammonites and are taken as evidence that the church was originally an outpost from the Hilda community in Whitby.
The fourth photograph shows what is believed to be an early 'piscina'.
The fifth shows the ends of two hog-back tomb covers, discovered during the restoration, and incorporated into the porch wall.
The sixth is a fragment of ring-cross head, the figure of Christ can just be seen upon it.
The seventh is an excellent example of a Viking cross with a gagged serpent design.
The eighth is one of the pieces recovered in 1904 and is a fragment of a 10th century cross head with an interlace design.
The ninth was also recovered in 1904 and its identity is uncertain, some suggestions, according to the church guidebook, have been a swastika design or Thor's hammer.
The tenth appears to be a carved stone which could be part of a cross, maybe the same cross whose head is show in photograph 8.
The eleventh is referred to in the guide book as the 'skull and rabbit'. A skull shape is clearly visible and perhaps the smaller carving to the top left of the skull is the rabbit. I have no idea of their significance.
The twelfth is said to be the oldest dating to 9th or 10th century and shows ropework around a column.
The final photograph is of a piece that has apparently been ignored by the experts examining the church but which the guidebook suggests may have been a mason's practice piece.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 04 December 2006 )
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