196 
13TH AND 14TH CENTURY. 
THE DECORATED PERIOD OF ARCHITECTURE. 
MontacutTe.—Remains of a fine old Cross, probably of the 
time of Henry I., placed in the churchyard about 40 years ago by a 
late Rector. Whence he removed it there is no record, probably 
it was the Village, or a Wayside Cross. Shaft, fairly well preserved,. 
shows plainly the remains of a richly carved niche, with crocket 
and finial, and the sculptured figure of an ecclesiastic, probably the 
benefactor of the Priory of Montacute. 
CrowcomsBe.—Churchyard Cross, originally bore on the shaft 
three figures in canopied niches. 
W. Front. A Bishop in cope and mitre, with his right hand 
raised in benediction. 
N. Side. St. John the Baptist, in camel’s hair raiment. 
S. Side. A Prioress, doubtless of the Monastery of 
Studely, in Oxfordshire, to which the Manor 
of Crowcombe had been made over, for the 
benefit of nuns, end of 12th Century, and 
held until the Dissolution. 
The Village Cross, Crowcombe, said to be one of the most 
graceful in existence, not excepting the Iona Crosses. Now 
jealously guarded by the village folk and the Lord of the Manor, 
who bears the expense of keeping it in repair. 
BisHor’s LyDEARD.—This Churchyard Cross is said to be 
unrivalled in 14th Century work, although much weather worn 
and covered with lichen. Calvary, three steps, socket and shaft, 
surmounted by a modern Crusaders’s Cross. On the east face of 
the shaft may be seen a canopied niche enclosing a figure, 
holding a cross, apparently John the Baptist, with camel’s hair 
raiment and girdle of skin; the lateral niches enclose figures of 
ecclesiastics in robes, but much defaced and unrecognisable. 
The socket of this Cross is unique, each of its eight faces being 
an oblong sunk panel, on six of which are represented the Twelve 
Apostles (two on each), St. Peter with the keys being easily 
