Athcarne Cross

Athcarne Cross

Cros Áth Carn
Shown within Ireland
Alternative name	Gaulstown Cross White Cross
Location	Gaulstown, Duleek, County Meath, Ireland
Region	Nanny Valley
Coordinates	53°37′39″N6°26′58″W / 53.627492°N 6.449501°W / 53.627492; -6.449501
Type	Wayside cross
Height	3.11 m (10.2 ft)
History
Builder	Cecilia Bathe
Material	sandstone
Founded	c. 1675
Site notes
Public access	yes
Designation	Designations National monument of Ireland Official name Athcarne (White Cross) Reference no. 322

Athcarne Cross, also called Gaulstown Cross or the White Cross, is a wayside cross and National Monument located in County Meath, Ireland.

Location

Athcarne Cross is located near the sources of the Nanny, 3.6 km (2.2 mi) southwest of Duleek.

History

The cross was erected in c. 1675 by Dame Cecilia Bathe (née Dowdall) as a memorial to herself and her husband Sir Luke Bathe. The cross had been incorporated into the wall of a cottage but it was conserved as a National Monument in 1935 and is known as Athcarne cross, after nearby Athcarne Castle. ^[1]

Description

On the east face of the cross is depicted the Crucifixion of Jesus with the arms of Jesus being held high above the head along the shaft of the cross, similar to a crux simplex. His feet rest on a skull and crossbones. ^[2]

On the west face is the Madonna and Child, with the arms of the Bathe and Dowdall families and the Arma Christi. ^{[3] [4]}

The head of the cross has carved angels, similar to other wayside-crosses, and a small Maltese cross. ^[5]

References

1. "ME01542 - GAULSTOWN - Cross - MeathHeritage.com". 6 December 2012.
2. "East Face "The White Cross" on road side Td. Of Gaulstown Co. Meath. Sheet 33/1. 12th May 1866. Wall of cottage".
3. "Geograph:: The White Cross, Athcarne (C) Kieran Campbell".
4. "West Face "The White Cross" on road side Td. Of Gaulstown Co. Meath. Sheet 33/1. 12th May 1866. Dowdall arms. Wall of cottage. and De Barthe arms. Scroll work [at base] late 17 cent".
5. "Gaulstown Cross".