Find Spot record 2976 - Carved Stone Head from Rostherne Church

Stone Head Slab from the northern end of Rostherne Churchyard. This seems most likely to be Medieval in date. This is because of the appearance of the hair, which is interpreted as the ‘Ram’s Horns’ style (1) (3). This is a relief carving on a flat slab fairly crudely executed. The torso is shown but no limbs and only simple facial features. It measures 2 feet high and 1 foot wide (2). It belongs to a large group of stone heads from Britain which on stylistic grounds are termed 'Celtic', but which show continuity into the Post Medieval period.

Information from an architect working on an extension to the church in 2014 gives a more accurate location than the previous six figure OS reference of SJ 742 837. (6)

<1> Various, Written Communication to the HER, The Manchester Museum, Petch. M, 1989. (Written Communication). SCH3756.

<2> Various, Written Communication to the HER, The Manchester Museum, Petch. M, 1991. (Written Communication). SCH3756.

<3> Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 1883 -, Transactions of the Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, TLCAS, Crowe. C, 1982 / 131-132. (Journal/Periodical). SCH3293.

<4> Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 1883 -, Transactions of the Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, TLCAS, Crowe. C, 1988 / 193-226. (Journal/Periodical). SCH3293.

<5> Various, Written Communication to the HER, Carter, J. 17/6/2014 (Written Communication). SCH3756.