A cross once used for hanging rebels

Kells is one of the oldest continuously settled towns in Ireland and has produced many rich historical artifacts. The most famous of these is the world-famous Book of Kells. A monastery was established in the 9th century possibly to be used as a sanctuary for monks living on the island of Iona from Viking attacks. There are records however that Kells was raided on numerous occasions between the 10th and 12th centuries. This High Cross dates to the 10th century and was originally called the “Cross of the Gate” as it was originally located at the eastern side of Kells Monastery. This marked the point where a fugitive could claim sanctuary inside the boundary of the monastic area. There is a theory that the craftsman who sculpted this cross may be the same person as the one who sculpted the High Crosses at Clonmacnoise, Durrow, and Monasterboice. The damage to the cross is attributed to the army of Oliver Cromwell during the 1650s and local stories also say that it was used for hanging Irish Rebels (Croppies) after the 1798 rebellion.