St Cuthbert's Cave (Lowick)
St Cuthbert's Cave (Copyright © Don Brownlow)
(NU 05923524) St Cuthbert's Cave. (1)
Formed by the weathering out of soft sandstone leaving a harder stratum above, supported by an isolated pillar. It measures 65ft by 18ft, and is 6-10ft high. In front of the mouth, an area of about an acre and a quarter has been enclosed by an earthen mound, probably for stock. The cave was used as a lambing shed in the mid 19th century. (2)
Traditionally, St Cuthbert established his hermitage in the cave, in 676. (3)
An intaglio of rude medieval cutting, bearing a bearded radiate head, was discovered in the cave in 1883 and was later presented to the Museum of Antiquities, Newcastle. (4)
As described. The 'enclosure' appears to be modern; probably associated with the cave's use as a lambing pen. (5)
The intaglio was later set into a gold ring. There is no trace of the ring or intaglio at the Museum of Antiquities and their records indicate that it was stolen. (6)
Additional Reference (7)
Formed by the weathering out of soft sandstone leaving a harder stratum above, supported by an isolated pillar. It measures 65ft by 18ft, and is 6-10ft high. In front of the mouth, an area of about an acre and a quarter has been enclosed by an earthen mound, probably for stock. The cave was used as a lambing shed in the mid 19th century. (2)
Traditionally, St Cuthbert established his hermitage in the cave, in 676. (3)
An intaglio of rude medieval cutting, bearing a bearded radiate head, was discovered in the cave in 1883 and was later presented to the Museum of Antiquities, Newcastle. (4)
As described. The 'enclosure' appears to be modern; probably associated with the cave's use as a lambing pen. (5)
The intaglio was later set into a gold ring. There is no trace of the ring or intaglio at the Museum of Antiquities and their records indicate that it was stolen. (6)
Additional Reference (7)
N3735
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1968; B H Pritchard
MEASURED SURVEY, ST CUTHBERT'S CAVE, KYLOE HILLS ; The National Trust
MEASURED SURVEY, ST CUTHBERT'S CAVE, KYLOE HILLS ; The National Trust
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