Volume 7: South West England

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Current Display: Melcombe Horsey 1 (otherwise Melcombe Bingham), Dorset Forward button Back button
Overview
Present Location
In the old chapel at Higher Melcombe House (ST 750025)
Evidence for Discovery
The fragment, only 6 ins. high, is said to have been recovered about twenty five years ago from a demolished cottage, 300 yards W. of the house. Other carvings believed to have been found in the same place are now lost' (R.C.H.M.(E.) 1970e, 170).
Church Dedication
Present Condition
The stone has been cut into a building block and chamfered
Description

A (broad): Cut back and chamfered

B (narrow): A wide flat moulding with an incised line survives on one edge. This encloses four-strand median-incised interlace.

C (broad): Roughly cut away

D (narrow): Part of a widely spaced interlace pattern survives.

Discussion

This must have been part of a well carved monument, probably a cross-shaft: the interlaced strands are deeply cut in a good over and under pattern. In confidence of cutting it can be compared with Gillingham or Ramsbury (Ills. 67, 489).

Date
Eighth to ninth century
References
R.C.H.M.(E.) 1970d, xlviii; R.C.H.M.(E.) 1970e, 170
Endnotes
None

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