Documents

Where documents include maps, the use of this data is subject to terms and conditions (https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/termsandconditions).

The legal document available for download below constitutes the formal designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The additional details provided on this page are provided for information purposes only and do not form part of the designation. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within this additional information.

• Type

  Legal Documents

  Title

  SM1143_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600016328)

Summary

Description

The monument is a free-standing carved cross of red sandstone probably dating from around AD 900 – 1100 and is a rare example of ecclesiastical sculpture from the former British early medieval kingdom of Strathclyde.  The cross stands to a height of about 2.1m and is decorated on all four sides with figurative scenes of humans and beast-headed beings, animals and panels of interlace and geometric pattern. The cross is slotted into a modern concrete base. The cross is said to have originally stood in Hamilton Low Parks but was moved to its current location in the yard of Hamilton Parish Church in 1926.

The scheduled area is square on plan to include the remains described above and the concrete base for its protection and preservation as shown in red on the accompanying map. The monument was last scheduled in 1933 but the documentation did not meet current standards. The present scheduling rectifies this.

Statement of National Importance

The cultural significance of the monument is expressed as follows:

Intrinsic Characteristics

The carvings of this substantial and red sandstone cross are slightly worn but it is still possible to make them out and, apart from some minor lichen growth, the cross is in reasonable condition. It stands upright in a modern concrete base which displays an inscription explaining that the cross was re-erected at its current location in March 1926. There is documentary and cartographic evidence to indicate that the cross's original location was in Hamilton Low Parks, around 1.2km to the north-northwest.

The style of the cross suggests that it dates from AD 900 – 1100. It belongs to an important series of sculpture from the former British early medieval kingdom of Strathclyde. This group of sculpture is probably the least familiar of all Scotland's early Christian monuments and further research of the motifs on Netherton cross could enhance our understanding of its full range of meanings, both secular and religious. Crosses such as this may have acted as focal points in worship, but could have also been a public statement about the beliefs of religious communities and aristocratic patrons. 

Contextual Characteristics

The cross is a rare example of ecclesiastical sculpture from the former British early medieval kingdom of Strathclyde and one of only three complete free-standing crosses from this period. The others are Barochan Cross (SM90029), now located in Paisley Cathedral, and Govan Cross (SM10393). Today, Netherton Cross is located in the ecclesiastical setting of Hamilton Parish Church.

The documented original location of the cross in Hamilton Low Parks lies 60m to the north of a motte (SM10726). Although the ground between the two sites is separated today by the M74 motorway, it would have been a flat area of ground located around 200m west of the River Clyde. This site has long been thought to be the site of the 'old toun of Cadzow' (the original name for Hamilton) and documentary evidence indicates the existence of a church of Cadzow by 1150 with which the cross may have been associated. The motte is likely to have been the royal residence in which both David I (1124-53) and Alexander III (1249-86) held court and this may have been the associated centre of lordly patronage.  

Associative Characteristics

The monument reflects earlier medieval cultural influences, such as the preference among those of high status to associate themselves with the church through patronage of artistic works, whilst also allowing the conspicuous display of wealth and resources.

National importance

The monument is of national importance because it has an inherent potential to make a significant addition to our understanding and appreciation of early medieval sculpture and its role in contemporary religious practices and secular life. Netherton  Cross is a rare example of ecclesiastical sculpture from the former British early medieval kingdom of Strathclyde and is only one of three complete free-standing crosses from this period. Although re-located in 1926, the original location of the stone and its context is well documented and this enhances our understanding of its cultural significance. The monument represents part of a group of sculpture that is highly significant for our understanding of the kingdom of Strathclyde before the 12th century. Damage to or loss of the stone would significantly impede our ability to understand the early medieval society that produced it.

References

Bibliography

About Scheduled Monuments

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Scheduling is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for monuments and archaeological sites of national importance as set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We schedule sites and monuments that are found to be of national importance using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Scheduled monument records provide an indication of the national importance of the scheduled monument which has been identified by the description and map. The description and map (see ‘legal documents’ above) showing the scheduled area is the designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The statement of national importance and additional information provided are supplementary and provided for general information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within the statement of national importance or additional information. These records are not definitive historical or archaeological accounts or a complete description of the monument(s).

The format of scheduled monument records has changed over time. Earlier records will usually be brief. Some information will not have been recorded and the map will not be to current standards. Even if what is described and what is mapped has changed, the monument is still scheduled.

Scheduled monument consent is required to carry out certain work, including repairs, to scheduled monuments. Applications for scheduled monument consent are made to us. We are happy to discuss your proposals with you before you apply and we do not charge for advice or consent. More information about consent and how to apply for it can be found on our website at www.historicenvironment.scot.

Find out more about scheduling and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.