Canterbury Cross

A humble little brooch, found in the street 140 years ago, is now seen all over the world.

Canterbury Cross

In 1867, a small brooch was excavated from beneath St. George's Street, a tiny road that extends from the High Street in the centre of Canterbury, England, where churches have stood since the sixth century. This brooch has a Saxon design, dates to circa 850 A.D. and was originally cast in bronze. It has a triangular panel of silver in each of the four arms and each panel is incised with a triquetra (three cornered knot) pattern symbolizing the Trinity. It is inlaid with niello (a black metallic alloy) and edged with a vine leaf pattern.

The design of the Canterbury Cross shows it to be an early Consecration Cross. It is sometimes confused with the Cuthbert Cross. This cruciform is also known as Becket's Cross, after Thomas Becket, one of the more famous archbishops of Canterbury. (See also the Becket Cross)

In Canterbury Cathedral, a replica has been carved in stone and mounted on the wall at the west end of the south aisle. It can be seen just inside the southwest transept entrance of the Cathedral. Similar replicas have been mounted on pieces of stone from Canterbury Cathedral and sent around the world to twelve other Anglican Cathedrals, giving a visible reminder of the link with the 'Mother Church' in Canterbury.

Photo of the original Canterbury Cross

The original Canterbury Cross (photo on the right) is on display at the Royal Museum in Cantebury. One cannot help but wonder why this should be displayed alongside exhibits such as Rupert Bear and Bagpuss. Such is life.

Invicta

Another Cantebury museum exhibit is Stephenson's Invicta; the world's first paying passenger steam locomotive. 'Invicta' is Latin for 'undefeated' and is the name given to the cross often seen in the hand of Christ in artwork. The Invicta Cross or Cross of Victory can be seen in early passion scenes, where the image of Jesus is shown carrying a relatively small cross on his shoulder.

(See also Triumphant Cross and Anglican Use)