Meigle
Cross Slab (Pictish), Pictish Symbol Stone (Pictish)
Site Name Meigle
Classification Cross Slab (Pictish), Pictish Symbol Stone (Pictish)
Alternative Name(s) Meigle Stones; Meigle No. 24
Canmore ID 30854
Site Number NO24SE 25.24
NGR NO 2872 4459
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/30854
- Council Perth And Kinross
- Parish Meigle
- Former Region Tayside
- Former District Perth And Kinross
- Former County Perthshire
Meigle 24, Perthshire, cross-slab
Measurements: H 0.36m, W 0.0.53m
Stone type: sandstone
Place of discovery: NO c 2876 4474
Present location: lost
Evidence for discovery: found in 1858 in the foundations of a kiln about 91m to the north of the church, recorded by Stuart in the 1860s and subsequently lost.
Present condition: unknown.
Description
This fragment comes from the lower left-hand portion of a cross-slab, carved in relief on both broad faces. Face A bore a ringed cross with diagonal key pattern ornament and a wide border of diagonal key pattern along the left-hand edge of the slab. To the left of the shaft there is a robed cleric and a disc containing a cruciform design, while to the right only a disc survives, this time formed of a cruciform knot. On face C there is part of a circular design, which may be a cross-of-arcs.
Date: ninth or tenth century.
References: Stuart 1867, pl 7.4; ECMS pt 3, 338.
Desk-based information compiled by A Ritchie 2019.
NO24SE 25.24 2872 4459.
Meigle No.24 (which is now lost) was an upright cross-slab of sandstone of nearly rectangular shape (but fractured along two edges) 1 foot 2 inches high by 1 foot 9 inches wide, sculptured in relief on two faces thus-
Front- In the middle, the lower part of a cross of shape No 102A divided into three panels, containing (1) on the shaft, diagonal key-pattern No.967 (2) on the left lower quadrant of the ring connecting the arms, diago nal key- pattern No.925, and(3) on the right lower quadrant, a four-cord plait. Along the left vertical edge of the slab is a border of triangular interlaced-work No.722. In the background of the cross
(on the left) is the lower part of the figure of an ecclesiastic with a book-sachel slung over his shoulder, wearing slippers, and having the lower hem of his dress ornamented with diagonal key- pattern No.925,
(in front of the ecclesiastic, to his right) a circular disc ornamented with interlaced work No.779; and (on the right of the shaft of the cross) a similar disc ornamented with interlaced-work No.777.
Back- the lower part of a cross of shape No.107(?)
J R Allen and J Anderson 1903; J Stuart 1856
Note (1990)
NO24SE 25.24 2872 4459.
This fragment of an upright cross-slab is now lost, but it is said to have measured about 0.36m in height and 0.53m in width, and to have been decorated on both faces. The front bore the lower part of a ringed cross with interlace ornament and key-pattern on the ring and shaft; there were decorated roundels on either side of the shaft; and on the left the figure of an ecclesiastic wearing a robe with a decorated hem and a book-satchel on his shoulder. On the left-hand side there was a rectangular panel of interlace. On the back there was part of a cross of arcs set in a circle. Information from RCAHMS (JNGR) 1990.