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Irton Cross is an Anglo-Saxon cross in the graveyard of St Paul's Church, Irton with Santon, Cumbria, England. Dating from the early 9th century, it lies chronologically between the Bewcastle Cross and the Gosforth cross and has greater affinity with the earlier Anglo-Roman style of Bewcastle.
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Description
The west face has two panels of interlace, between which is a panel which once contained three lines of runes, all of which is surrounded by a border of knotwork.
The east face also has two panels with a diagonal key pattern, and two with chequers, which are in fact small sunken crosses.
There is fine scroll work on the narrow north and south sides, with leaves stem and fruit, possibly indicating a vine.
Access
The graveyard is open to the public and the cross can be examined at any time. It is to the south of the church.
A replica of the cross can also be see at the Victoria and Albert Museum. The cast was made in 1882, and along with the Gosforth cross, it can be seen in the cast hall of the museum.