Ruthwell Church (& Ruthwell Cross)

Ruthwell Church near to Ruthwell village
in Dumfries & Galloway.

It's main claim to fame is as the location of the Ruthwell Cross, carved with both Latin and Anglo-Saxon runes some time (loosely) around 700AD. There's a very similar cross at Bewcastle in Cumbria, 30 miles to the east.

The Cross is protected inside the church and is a little tricky to photograph as it sits in a 4 feet deep well and reaches right to the ceiling. It's over seventeen feet high and spent many years outside and/or hidden in the church foundations. Well restored, a very impressive presentation and well worth a visit.

Like many churches Ruthwell has both ancient and some Commonwealth War Graves.

The church is roughly a half mile north-east of Ruthwell and about the same distance east of Clarencefield, all roughly nine miles east and a bit south of Dumfries.

Access to the church (and generous parking) is free, though a donation is always appreciated. The key to the side door is left in a tin box by the door on the grey building right of the church.

To the left of the main gate is a rather interesting feature.