| Consecration cross. A circle
enclosing a cross-shaped geometric pattern, found on
walls and altars. They were anointed with oil when a
church was consecrated. There were 12 around the walls,
and 5 on the altar mensa.
Perhaps there were twelve around the outside of the
building as well. Many good medieval examples of wall crosses survive, notably Kenton, Thornham Parva and Great Livermere. External crosses can be seen at Creeting St Peter. Still used by the Catholic Church, modern examples can be seen at Ipswich St Mary. |