7th century Bewcastle Cross, Cumbria. The Bewcastle Cross is a popular runic monument in Cumbria, England, from the late 7th or early 8th century. The head of the cross is missing, but the remainder is still 14.5 feet (4.4 meters) high. Each of the four sides of the cross is intricately decorated, with ornaments including animals, checkers, vines, knots, as well as inscriptions. There is a Christ--like figure trampling the head of a beast, and above this a falconer (possibly St. John the Evangelist) with his eagle. The inscription on the west side might read: "This slender pillar Hw犚red, W犚hgar, and Alwfwold set up in memory of Alefrid, a king and son of Oswy. Pray for them, their sins, their souls". On the south side can be found the words: "In the first year (of the reign) of Egfrid, king of this kingdom [Northumbria]", referring to Egfrid son of Oswy and brother of Alefrid, who ascended to the throne in 670. The north side contains runes that are not easily decipherable, but seem to refer to Wulfere, among others, who was a son of Penda, and king of Mercia. 咄ortean / TopFoto