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Bewcastle Cross
The Explanation of the Runic Obelisk,
(see p.318.) by George Smith, Esq;
SIR,
THAT Part of Cumberland which lies beyond the Banks
of the River Eden, Northwards, having been often
exposed to the Waste of War, and the People ruined by almost
continual Depredations; the Barenness of it seems rather to
proceed from the Neglect of Culture than the natural Poverty
of the Soil. Within the Embraces of the Frontier Mountains
of this Tract lies Beu-Castle Church, on a Rivulet
called Kirk-beck, near an old ruined Castle of the
Proprietors of that Part of the Country before the Conquest;
and both Church and Castle are built on the Remains of a
large Roman Fort. Opposite to the Church Porch, at a
few Yards Distance, stands the Obelisk, of one entire Stone,
15 Foot and a half high, springing through an Octagonal
Pedestal, whose Sides were alternately equal. 'Tis nearly
the Frustrum of a Square Pyramid, each Side being 2 Foot
broad at Bottom, and one Foot and a half at Top, wherein a
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