Abel Cross

Heritage Site in Yorkshire

England

Abel Cross

Willow pony A willow sculpture of what appears to be a Dales pony at Hardcastle Crags. — Willow pony Credit: Kathleen Illingworth

Abel Cross, located in Yorkshire, England, is a significant heritage site that holds great historical and cultural importance. The cross stands proudly in a picturesque village, surrounded by lush green fields and rolling hills. Dating back to the 10th century, it is believed to be one of the oldest surviving stone crosses in the region.

The Abel Cross stands at an impressive height of seven meters and is made from local sandstone. It features intricate carvings, showcasing a mix of Christian symbolism and pagan motifs. The cross is adorned with intricate patterns, including interlacing knots, spirals, and animal figures, which are typical of the Celtic art style.

Historians believe that the Abel Cross served as a meeting point for religious ceremonies and community gatherings during medieval times. It is also said to have marked a significant pilgrimage route that passed through the village, attracting pilgrims from far and wide.

Over the centuries, the Abel Cross has faced the test of time and has been subject to weathering and damage. However, it has been carefully restored and preserved by local authorities and heritage organizations, ensuring its continued existence for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

Today, the Abel Cross is a popular attraction for history enthusiasts, archaeologists, and tourists alike. It offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Yorkshire, and its significance as a historical landmark cannot be overstated.

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Abel Cross Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.77/-2.023 or Grid Reference SD9830. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Willow pony

A willow sculpture of what appears to be a Dales pony at Hardcastle Crags.

Kathleen Illingworth

Abel Cross

A pair of wayside marker stones on the slopes above Crimsworth Dean

Kevin Waterhouse

Helliwell Wood Farmhouse

In Crimsworth Dean

Kevin Waterhouse

Barker Cote Farmhouse

Converted to residential

Kevin Waterhouse

Aqueduct in Crimsworth Dean

The aqueduct connects a dam on the west side of Bridge Clough with one on the east. These dams connect with ones lower down the valley and all appeared to service Midgehole Dye Works

Kevin Waterhouse

Nook Farmhouse

Named Nook on modern OS maps but originally Upper Sunny Bank Farmhouse with a lower Sunny Bank nearby

Kevin Waterhouse

Hebden Water Footbridge

Just south of the confluence with Rowshaw Clough

Kevin Waterhouse

High Greenwood House

View from Widdop Road

Kevin Waterhouse

Weir on Hebden Water, Hardcastle Crags

Humphrey Bolton

Rock outcrop, Hardcastle Crags

Humphrey Bolton

Path on a flat valley Floor, Hardcastle Crags

This is on the Green Route. In some places the valley is V-shaped with little space each side of the river, and in some places it is quite wide and flat.

Humphrey Bolton

Fallen tree across Hebden Water, Hardcastle Crags

This tree makes a 'leaky dam' to help to slow flood flows to reduce flooding in Hebden Bridge downstream. This looks to have occurred naturally, but some trees trunks and poles have been placed across the river that will form dams when floating debris has lodged on them.

Humphrey Bolton

Footbridge across Hebden Water, Hardcastle Crags

This is on the Green Route. The path formerly continued up the west side of the river and is still shown thus on maps. However it appears to have been eroded away and part of it has been re-routed to the east side, requiring two new footbridges.

Humphrey Bolton

New tree-planting amongst tall beeches, Hardcastle Crags

"There are areas of Hardcastle Crags that are densely populated by beech trees. These trees block the light from reaching the woodland floor and have stopped plants and flowers from growing underneath them. The lack of ground vegetation is a problem for wildlife and is also a worry during periods of heavy rain. With no ground plants to slow the flow, the rainwater flows quickly to the streams taking leaf litter and soil with it - this causes blockages which increases the risk of flooding in Hebden Bridge and the local area. We've started work to selectively fell trees across the woodland. As well as increasing the light level to help the vegetation and wildlife on the woodland floor, new homes for bats and birds will be created from the thinned beech trees, and their branches will be used to build leaky wooden dams – natural flood management techniques to help slow the flow of rainwater. The work will be completed by carefully chosen contractors who will inspect each tree for signs of bat habitation before work starts, and new trees, including oak, rowan, birch and holly, will be planted to replace the beech trees." From Link

Humphrey Bolton

Weir on Hebden Water, Hardcastle Crags

This looks like a flow measurement weir, and there is a small building nearby that might house the equipment. However an internet search suggests that it is no longer in use.

Humphrey Bolton