Seven miles east of Caerlaverock Castle, in tiny Ruthwell, a church holds one of Europe’s most important early Christian monuments. The 6m-high 7th-century Ruthwell Cross is carved top to bottom in New Testament scenes and is inscribed with a poem called ‘The Dream of the Rood’; written in a Saxon runic alphabet, it’s considered one of the earliest examples of English-language literature. Bus 79 running between Dumfries and Annan stops in Ruthwell.
Ruthwell Cross
Top choice in Dumfries & Galloway
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Nearby Dumfries & Galloway attractions
1. Caerlaverock Wetland Centre
3.48 MILES
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