Studland Cross - Studland, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, UK - Christian Crosses on Waymarking.com

The cross you see today has many detailed features representing the modern life. It was placed here, on this small mound, on July 24th 1975 and dedicated by the Bishop of Salisbury. After this ceremony the cross was taken away to have the carvings added and then placed back on July 25th 1976.

To reflect the nearby Church of St Nicholas the cross is a Saxon design following the original, ancient cross which once stood on this site. Mr Trevor Heysom is the local mason who carved the cross.

On the west side is a vine, birds, symbolism of the Tree of Life, an archer (maybe Ishmael) and an insoluble knot. The east side includes a vine again with a double helix to represent the DNA molecule of life. Then, there are ears of corn, a violin, a bomb, an aircraft with a butterfly and above is Christ carrying a scroll. These are all direct representatives of man and nature.

The north side is a dark, sinister place with aggressiveness, greed and selfishness. Then on the south side is a runic text and ornamentation typically found on Saxon Crosses which is a representation of the ancient one once here.

The sun and the moon look down froom the cross' arms and the devil is chained on the northern arm. On the southern arm is the Christian symbol of the fish (Ichthus).

The cross is made from Pond Freestone which originates from the Purbeck Portland or cliff stone bed at St Aldhelm's Head nearby. There are remains of Jurassic creatures embedded within the stone. At the base is a small slab of Purbeck Thornback from Acton Quarry which also contains fossils but from fresh water. The shaft the modern cross fits into is the original sinking for the old Cross shaft; this was a material of Studland Stone which is the consistency similar to the Agglestone Rock.

It is with thanks to the leaflet available in the nearby church that this information has been made available and reworded for this waymark.

Type of cross: Latin cross Material used: Stone (granite, sandstone, marble, ...) Characteristics of this cross: Created to represent modern Christianity with its detailed carvings. At the base is Spaceship Earth. Describe the location: Studland is a small village in the beautiful area called The Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. There are spectacular views, walks and attractions here, as it is a world heritage site with the Jurassic Coastline. Year of manufacture: 07/24/1975 Is this cross commemorative ?: No

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