PECULIAR ORNAMENT IN CROSTHWAITE CHURCH.
(Vol. viii., p. 55.)
It is probable that these circles with eight radiations are the original dedication-crosses of the church. Such crosses are still to be seen painted on the piers of the nave in Roman Catholic churches. Durandus, describing the consecration of a church, says:
"In the meanwhile within the building twelve lamps be burning before twelve crosses, which be depicted on the walls of the church.... Lastly, he [the bishop] anointeth with chrism the twelve crosses depicted on the wall."—Durandus On Symbolism, ed. Neale and Webb, p. 115.
In the Pontifical, De Ecclesiæ Dedicatione, the rubric directs,—
"Item, depingantur in parietibus Ecclesiæ intrinsecùs per circuitum duodecim cruces, circa decem palmos super terram, videlicet tres pro quolibet, ex quatuor parietibus. Et ad caput cujuslibet crucis figatur unus clavus, cui affigatur una candela unius unciæ."
Dedication-crosses occur at Salisbury Cathedral, and at Uffington Church, Berks, and in both cases on the exterior of the buildings.
The crosses at Salisbury are seven in number, viz. one over each side-door at the west end, two on the buttresses of the north and south transepts, two on the buttresses of the east end, and one in the centre of the east wall. The number at Uffington is twelve, disposed as follows: Three under the east window, three under the west window, one under the south window of the south transept, one under the north window of the north transept, one on the south wall of the nave, one on the north wall of the nave, one on the south wall of the chancel, and one in the east wall of the south transept. In each case the crosses have been of brass inlaid in the wall, with the exception of one, which is of stone, and of more elaborate design. The rationale of dedication-crosses, according to Durandus, is,—
"First, as a terror to evil spirits, that they, having been driven forth thence, may be terrified when they see the sign of the cross, and may not presume to enter therein again. Secondly, as a mark of triumph; for crosses be the banners of Christ, and the signs of his triumph.... Thirdly, that such as look on them may call to mind the passion of Christ, by which he hath consecrated his Church, and their belief in his passion," &c.—Page 125.
Under these aspects the exterior would seem the more fitting, and may have been the original position of them. Perhaps Mr. Elliot will inform us what is the number of crosses at Crosthwaite?
Cheverells.