Ballaugh Stone Cross

Ballaugh Cross

Height: 54"
Width:  19"
Depth:  3"

This is the only cross to ever be found in the Parish of Ballaugh. It once stood in the burial ground of the old church, which was probably the site of an ancient Keeil or hermit's cell.

On one face of the cross is a beautifully decorated full tendril pattern. The shaft of the design is emphasised by the bands and tendrils interlaced around a central boss, instead of through a ring.

Above the head is a horizontal band with plait of three and on each side two diagonal oval rings interlaced and finished with elaborate flourishes.

An inscription on the left of the cross reads:

OULAIR: LIUTULBSUNR: RATS (T)I: (K)RS: pANA: AIFTIRULB: SUNSIN:

Translated it means:

OLAF LIOTULFSON ERECTED THIS CROSS TO THE MEMORY OF ULF HIS SON.