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Kells in County Meath, Leinster, Ireland — Mid-East (and Dublin)
 

Market Cross

Kells Heritage Trail

 
 
Market Cross Marker image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
1. Market Cross Marker
Inscription.
This 9th century high cross, the cross of the gate of the Kells monastery, is one of five high crosses still surviving in Kells. The cross of the gate, currently at or near its original site, was a termon cross and signified that a fugitive could claim sanctuary once inside the boundary of the monastic area.

The carved faces of the high crosses depict scenes from the Old and New Testament and were used primarily for the religious instruction of the faithful. These scenes may originally have been coloured.

The damage to the cross is attributed to the 17th century army of Oliver Cromwell. The inscription on the base of the cross - This cross was erected at the charge of Robert Balfe of Callierstown, being sovereign of the corporation of Kells, anno domini 1688 - indicates the date of the cross's repair.

Local belief has it that the cross was also used for hanging Croppies after the 1798 rebellion.
 
Erected by Meath Tourism.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & ReligionEducationMan-Made FeaturesPatriots & PatriotismSettlements & SettlersWars, Non-US. A significant historical year for this entry is 1688.
 
Location. 53° 43.6′ N, 6° 52.306′ 
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W. Marker is in Kells, Leinster, in County Meath. Marker is at the intersection of Headfort Place (Local Road 163) and Navan Road (National Road 3), on the right when traveling east on Headfort Place. Marker is on the west wall of the former courthouse. Touch for map. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Kells Courthouse (here, next to this marker); Headfort Place (within shouting distance of this marker); St Columba's Church (approx. half a kilometer away); Suffolk Street (approx. half a kilometer away); The Churchyard Wall (approx. half a kilometer away); Catherine Dempsey (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Kells Round Tower (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Spire of Loyd (approx. 2.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kells.
 
Also see . . .
1. 1798 Irish Rebellion. (Submitted on February 9, 2010.)
2. Kells High Crosses. (Submitted on February 10, 2010.)
 
Market Cross East Face image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
2. Market Cross East Face
Market Cross and Marker image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
3. Market Cross and Marker
Looking east, showing west face of the Market Cross.
Market Cross and Courthouse Markers image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
4. Market Cross and Courthouse Markers
Market Cross East Face image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
5. Market Cross East Face
Center is Daniel in Lions' Den; to left is Sacrifice of Isaac; and to right is Temptation of St. Anthony.
Market Cross West Face image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
6. Market Cross West Face
Center is Crucifixion of Christ; to left is possibly St. Anthony being tempted; to right is possibly SS Paul and Anthony tempted by the devil.
Market Cross East Face image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
7. Market Cross East Face
Top left is Adam & Eve; top right Cain slaying Abel. Other panel possibly showing the Acclamation of David.
Market Cross West Face image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
8. Market Cross West Face
Top is Loaves and Fishes; center is Centurion's servant being healed; bottom is Christ with children.
Market Cross East Face image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
9. Market Cross East Face
Top is Acclamation of David; bottom is Christ in the Tomb.
Market Cross West Face image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
10. Market Cross West Face
1688 Inscription.
Market Cross East Face Base image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
11. Market Cross East Face Base
Horsemen.
Market Cross West Face image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
12. Market Cross West Face
Stags and other animals; possibly a hunt.
Market Cross North Face image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
13. Market Cross North Face
SS Paul and Anthony with crossed staffs being fed by a raven.
Market Cross South Face image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
14. Market Cross South Face
Daniel Slaying a Lion.
Market Cross North Face image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
15. Market Cross North Face
Central horned figure, possibly Cernunnos/Antichrist flanked by standing dogs.
Market Cross South Face image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
16. Market Cross South Face
Top is God showing Moses the way or receiving the Law; bottom is possibly Samuel annointing David.
Market Cross North Face image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
17. Market Cross North Face
Top is the Arrest of Christ; bottom panel damaged, with meaning unclear.
Market Cross Marker image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
18. Market Cross Marker
Top is possibly Judgement of Solomon; bottom a man hunts stag with spear and dog.
Market Cross North Face image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
19. Market Cross North Face
Possibly John the Baptist embracing Christ, Judas embracing Christ, or Jacob wrestling with the angel.
Market Cross South Face Base image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
20. Market Cross South Face Base
Soldiers Fighting.
Market Cross North Face Base image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
21. Market Cross North Face Base
Centaurs and animals.
Market Cross Newer Base image. Click for full size.
September 22, 2009
22. Market Cross Newer Base
The base of this cross
was erected by
James O'Ferrall Esq
of Kells A.D 1893
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,531 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22. submitted on February 10, 2010.

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Mar. 19, 2024