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Bewcastle Cross
Print, uncoloured engraving, detail of the Bewcastle
Cross, Cumberland, by G Smith, published by the Gentleman's
Magazine, London, 1742.
Size: wxh, sheet = 13x21cm.
The Magna Britannia Antiqua & Nova, speaking of
this Obelisk, calls it "a Cross of one entire square Stone,
about five Yards in Height, washed over with a white oily
Cement. The Figure inclines to a square Pyramid, being two
Foot broad at Bottom. On the West Side, among other
Draughts, is a picture of some holy Man in a sacerdotal
Habit, with a Glory round his Head, and the Effigies of the
blessed Virgin with a Babe in her Arms; on the North Side is
a very great deal of Chequer Work." This Book gives us but a
very imperfect Account of the Iinscriptions, and offers no
other Representation than that here annexed.
If then this noble Monument has been hitherto so incorrectly
described, what Defects may not be discovered in the other
curious Remains of Antiquity, with which this County abounds
more than any other in Britain? We believe,
therefore, it will not be unsatisfactory to the Publick to
be informed that the ingenious Gentleman who favoured us
with this Draught, is at present compiling a full and
accurate Description of this County.
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