The May Middleton Archaeological Society talk was given by Dr Adrian Maldonado of Chester University. It covered the widespread use of early medieval crosses in the UK. About 20 people attended and many were eager to question Adrian on what was a fascinating talk. It included recently discovered evidence of sword marks at the base of crosses possibly as part of a cursing or blessing ceremony. Also evidence of the ritualistic breaking of crosses and rebuilding them into church walls and floors. He was quite interested in the photos of stone carvings at St Leonard’s Church (see above) and may pop back to Middleton to have a look.
