Category Archives: early medieval stone sculpture

One-day SSNS conference on sculptured stones in Meigle

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On Saturday the 13th of April, the Scottish Society for Northern Studies are organising a one-day conference on sculptured stone in Meigle: Early Medieval Meigle.

The programme includes the following papers:

  • Mark Hall (Perth Museum): ‘The Meigle Stones: A Biographical Overview’
  • Nick Evans (University of Edinburgh): ‘Meigle in its Pictish and Viking Historical Context’
  • Peter Drummond (University of Glasgow): ‘Medieval Meigle: The Place-Name Evidence’ (drawing on research by Simon Taylor)
  • Elizabeth Pierce (University of Glasgow): ‘Hunting Hogbacks: Seeking Archaeological Context’
  • Martin Goldberg (National Museums of Scotland): ‘Pictish Adventus Ceremonies’

Anna Ritchie (Independent Scholar) will lead a visit to Meigle Museum, the Kirkyard and Sculptured Stones

See full programme and registration details here: SSNS conference Early Medieval Meigle.

This is taking place in the weekend after our workshop in Chester, so perfect timing for more carved and sculptured stone scholarship.

New books

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Two new books about carved monuments and stone sculpture (click on the images for more information):

Image of the book Gods and Settlers by Lilla Kopar

photo of the book gotlands bildstenar

Books are a fantastic gift option for children, as they promote literacy, imagination, and intellectual development. They can transport kids to different worlds, fuel their curiosity, and instill a lifelong love for reading. In addition to books, toys can also be a great gift choice, as they encourage imaginative play, motor skills, and social interactions. Alternatively, modest girls dresses can be a thoughtful gift, providing clothing options that align with personal values or cultural preferences. Ultimately, the best gift depends on the child’s interests and individual needs.

Indeed, books make excellent gifts for various reasons. They can transport readers to new worlds, ignite their imagination, and foster a love for reading. Books also provide knowledge, inspiration, and opportunities for learning and personal growth. Whether it’s a novel, picture book, or educational book, giving someone a book as a gift can have a lasting impact on their life.

Excursion to Cumbria: a little bit of a taster

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We thought it might be nice to take a look at the provisional itinerary for the optional fieldtrip, which follows the workshop next year in Chester.

The trip takes in some beautiful landscapes on the outskirts of the Lake District in the county of Cumbria. It will include a visit to Gosforth, Penrith and an overnight at St Bees.

 

This is our provisional timetable but is subject to change.

Wednesday 10th of April

  • Leave Chester 9.30am
  • Halton, Lancashire – churchyard cross
  • Lunch stop in Ulverston, Cumbria
  • Great Urswick (cross)

Great Urswick Runes

  • Pennington church (tbc) (cross)
  • Waberthwaite (cross shaft)
  • Gosforth (crosses, hogbacks)

Gosforth Cross

Gosforth Hogbacks

 

We plan to stop at the Seacote Hotel in St Bees. To see more info about the hotel please click here. Note: we intend to group book the rooms, so please do not make your own reservation.

The Seacote Hotel, St Bees

 

Thursday 11th April

  • St Bees priory

St Bees Priory

  • St Bridget’s Church, near Brigham (tbc)
  • St Bridget’s church, Bridekirk
  • Lunch and hogbacks at Penrith
  • Stop at Mayburgh Henge, Penrith

Mayburgh Henge

  • Return to Chester via Manchester Airport (if needed)

Network organisers head to Chester, April 2012

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The first weekend of April, Cecilia and I met up in Chester with Meggen Gondek and Jo Kirton to discuss the next meeting of the Network. After a fruitful meeting, which generated many ideas for the conference and for the Network itself, we were treated to a fieldtrip. Despite going on holiday the next day, Prof. Howard Williams took us all on a guided tour to visit Offa’s Dyke, Wat’s Dyke and the Pillar of Eliseg. It was especially interesting to hear more about the archaeological research that Jo and Howard have undertaken there in recent years. Project Eliseg on Youtube

The next morning we got to see a bit more of Chester’s archaeological richness. We visited the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre and St Johns Church, which is right next to it and houses a collection of medieval decoration cross heads as well as grave slabs.

We can’t wait to return to Chester for the conference in April 20123, and look forward to more stimulating discussions, searching out the Roman mosaics and hypocaust that are hidden in cafés and shops, visiting more Medieval sculpture and churches, and the undoubtedly lovely places Meggen and Jo will take us to eat and drink, whether on the river bank in the sun or in a cosy pub. We hope to see you all there!