Elgin Pillar

Coordinates: 57°39′02″N 3°18′19″W / 57.6506°N 3.3053°W / 57.6506; -3.3053
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The Elgin Pillar standing in the grounds of Elgin Cathedral

The Elgin Pillar is a class II Pictish stone, now situated on the north west side of Elgin Cathedral, in Elgin, Moray.[1] It was discovered in 1823, lying 0.6m beneath the surface of the former churchyard of St Giles' Church, in Elgin High Street.[1] It is thought to date from the 9th century,[2] and suggests there may have been a centre of Early Christian activity in the marketplace area around the church in the centre of Elgin.[3]

Description[edit]

The stone is made of granite, and stands 2.08m high. It is 0.18m deep and its width tapers from 0.91m at its head to 0.80m at its base.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "The Elgin Pillar". Moray Historic Environment Record. Aberdeenshire Council. 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  2. ^ a b Ritchie, A (2017). "Elgin Cathedral, Pictish Cross-slab". Canmore. Historic Environment Scotland. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  3. ^ Hall, Derek; MacDonald, A D S; Perry, D R; Terry, J; Cox, A; Crowley, N; Ellis, B M A; Holmes, N M McQ; Smith, C; Stevenson, R (November 1999). "The archaeology of Elgin: excavations on Ladyhill and in the High Street, with an overview of the archaeology of the burgh". Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. 128: 755.

57°39′02″N 3°18′19″W / 57.6506°N 3.3053°W / 57.6506; -3.3053