| The 11th century Carew Cross (shown below) is one
of three fine early Christian monuments found in Wales - the others being at
Nevern and Maen Achwyfan. The cross stands majestically guarding the entrance to
Carew Castle. Its mixture of Celtic and Scandinavian influences harken back to
pre-Norman Wales, when the country was ruled by powerful, independent princes.
The cross is inlaid with fine Celtic knot-work and interlaced ribbon pattern,
its two sides displaying different variations. After years of controversy, the
crude inscription on the cross was finally translated in the 1940s. The cross is
a royal memorial commemorating Maredudd ap Edwin, who became joint ruler with
his brother of Duheubarth, the kingdom of Southwest Wales, in 1033, only to be
killed in battle two years later.
Similar to the Nevern cross, it consists of two parts, connected with a tendon joint. It is inscribed, on the west face: MARGIT EUT.RE X.ETG.FILIUS
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This page is text extracted from: http://www.castlewales.com/carew.html
All photographs copyright © 2002 by Jeffrey L. Thomas
