About this objectThis gold cross pendant was found near Lincoln, England through metal detecting. This Latin type of cross is unusual though others, such as the Berwick Cross and that from Westfield Farm, are known. As is the case with the latter, these items seem to have been among a number of pendants on a necklace, the best example being the Desborough Necklace [EXH12]. The Newball Cross was not reported as having been found with other items. There is a cruciform piercing at the centre of the cross on what appears to the back perhaps suggesting that it was a reliquary.
Compared with crosses like Ixworth or Wilton, which show fine and detailed cells holding cut garnet jewels, and the Staffordshire Hoard Cross with a central garnet and filigree ornamentation, this is a stylistically simpler and cruder example of 7th century work.
Date Made7th century
PeriodAnglo-Saxon
Subject and Association KeywordsCrosses
Subject and Association KeywordsRelics
Subject and Association DescriptionLearn More: Daubney 2015; Lucy 2016.
