At Nunnykirk, which Mr Cadwaller Bates identified with the Vetadun of Bede, not very long after the days of Bede, a remarkable and skilfully designed cross-shaft was made, of which one side was a double scroll combined with birds and beasts. The reverse is ornamented with a pair of single scrolls overlapping and interlocked. This, with the offset, is most unusual in pure Anglian work that it must be classed by itself. The cross-shaft may be dated to the early part of the 10th century. (1)

Some 40 years ago the late proprietor pulled down a very old cottage into which the stone had been built. It was placed in a corner of the stackyard whence Mrs Irde had it removed to its present position, standing among some ferns, some 18 months ago.
The stone stands 3 to 4 feet above the ground. The cross shaft is 16-1/2" x 8" tapering to 15" x 8" with a height of 4'6". When complete the cross would have been 6'0" to 6'6" high. Canon Greenwell has dated it to probably the 8th century, possibly 7th century. The stone can have no connection with the ecclesiastical house which had existed at Nunnykirk since it was not founded until after 1138; there may have been an earlier ecclesiastical settlement. (2)

The shaft is 16-1/2ins x 8ins tapering to 15ins x 8ins with a height of 4ft 6ins. When complete the cross would have been 6ft 0ins to 6ft 6ins high. Canon Greenwell considers it to be of 8th or possibly 7th century date (as it resembles other crosses of that date). The stone possibly camp from some religious establishment on the banks of the Font, all trace of which has been lost. [Description and illustration of cross shaft]. (3)

NZ 08089262. Description of cross shaft correct, as given by Authority 1. Measurements by Authority 3 are correct. The present owner confirmed the cross shaft was removed from the stackyard, 140m east of the house, to its present position 10m west of the house. No additional information. (4)

No change since report of 14-1-57. (5)

Cross-shaft, found c.1850-60 in pulling down an old cottage near Nunnykirk; from c.1890-1976 standing in the grounds of Nunnykirk Hall; from 1976 in the Museum of Antiquities, Newcastle upon Tyne, accession no 1976.9.A. Weathered condition. Shaft measures 1.346m x 0.46m-0.355m x 0.254m-0.17m deep.
Lower half of a rectangular cross-shaft with a collar and wider plinth at the bottom. Inhabited scroll decoration on one broad face.
The form of the monument is unique. Tendency towards two-part collared shaft can be seen elsewhere in the 9th century. Clear links with the Hexham school and a more southerly influence indicated by the paired birds and beasts merging into the scroll. Date, beginning of 9th century. (6)

[Details as authority 6]. Purchased by Society of Antiquaries in 1976 and placed in Museum of Antiquities. Early 9th century. Sandstone. (7)

Location as (6). (8)