Towering over us stands Ballaqueeney Cross a giant among Manx crosses. This isn’t just any old stone. It’s a 3.35-meter-high testament to Manx history. Imagine the sheer size of it. It’s the largest cross found on the Isle of Man.
Ballaqueeney Cross also known as the Clagh Ard Cross Slab is more than just a pretty face. It’s a tenth-century grave marker. It originally stood near Ballaqueeney Farm. That farm now is the site of Port St Mary’s train station. The cross stood in the northern corner of an ancient cemetery. That cemetery is long gone. A chapel Ballaqueeney Keeill once stood nearby.
Can you picture this? In the 1840s the cross was found. Where? In the doorpost of a cowshed. Talk about a humble hiding place for such a magnificent object. Imagine the surprise of whoever discovered it. The cemetery itself wasn’t rediscovered until the 1870s. That’s when they built the train station.
Now look closely. See the intricate carvings? Both sides are adorned with low-relief artwork. One side shows a Celtic cross. There are rings around the top. The other side has decorated interlocking rings. Some believe the skilled hand of the sculptor Gaut created this masterpiece. Gaut was active around 900-950 AD. He created many other crosses across the island. The holes you see in the cross are not original. They were added later.
Since 1951 Ballaqueeney Cross has resided at its current spot. It’s on the roundabout where Four Roads Castletown Road and Church Road meet in Port St Mary. It’s a short distance from its original location a medieval burial ground. It’s more than a stone. It’s a window into Manx history a silent story waiting to be heard. The Ballaqueeney Cross whispers tales of faith artistry and a fascinating history. It’s a reminder of the island’s rich past. And it’s a truly impressive sight. Let’s move on to the next fascinating story of the Isle of Man.