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.
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.
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.
From the south-east.
Access to the church (and generous parking) is free, though a donation is always appreciated.
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 at the
top right of this photo.
To the left of the main gate is a rather interesting feature.
To the left of the main gate is a rather interesting feature.
The steps up the outside and over the wall meet...
...the steps down the inside.
A little restoration is required.
A little restoration is required.
