Ruthwell Cross and The Dream of the Rood

The Ruthwell Cross itself is believed to have been made sometime around 660, and probably served as a “preaching cross”, which marked the site where Christian sermons and lessons were given on a regular basis. It has suffered many indignities, including defacement and demolition by the zealots of the Protestant reformation. Dr. Henry Duncan is credited with the restoration of the Ruthwell Cross, a 24 year project that he began in 1799. It is now housed in Ruthwell Church in Dumfriesshire, Scotland.