Barochan Cross is a beautifully carved Celtic cross, probably dating to before the 10th century. The cross originally stood in open country near Houston in Renfrewshire but is now within Paisley Abbey for protection from the elements.
It seems that the cross has been moved on at least two occasions in its long life; it stood first just south of Barochan Mill (grid reference NS406694), but in the 19th century it was moved to a sloping hillside near Corsliehill before eventually being brought under cover in the historic abbey church at Paisley.
The Barochan Cross is made of sandstone and stands 3.4 metres high (just over 11 feet). The surface of the cross is covered with interlaced decoration in typically ebullient Celtic style, interspersed with figures of animals and humans.
Accurate dating is difficult, but it may be as old as the 8th century. Despite the fact that the cross is inside the abbey and thus subject to the abbey's opening hours, it is actually in the care of Historic Scotland.
About Barochan Cross
Address: Abbey Close, Paisley, Strathclyde, Scotland, PA1 1JG
Attraction Type: Prehistoric Site - Early Christian Cross
Location: In Paisley Abbey, in the centre of Paisley off Abbey Close
Website: Barochan Cross
Historic Scotland
Location map
OS: NS487645
Photo Credit: Lairich Rig, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
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HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions
and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
Find other attractions tagged with:
10th century (Time Period) - 10th century (Time Period) - 19th century (Time Period) - 19th century (Time Period) - 8th century (Time Period) - 8th century (Time Period) - Celtic (Architecture) - Celtic (Architecture)
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Paisley Abbey - 0 miles (Historic Church) 
Paisley Museum - 0.7 miles (Museum) 
Crookston Castle - 2.6 miles (Castle)
Pollok House - 4.8 miles (Historic House)
Botanic Gardens, Glasgow - 5.3 miles (Garden) 
Weaver's Cottage - 5.4 miles (Museum)
Bearsden Bath House - 5.8 miles (Roman Site)
Holmwood House - 6.7 miles (Historic House)
Nearest Holiday Cottages to Barochan Cross:
Nearby accommodation is calculated 'as the crow flies' from Barochan Cross. 'Nearest' may involve a long drive up and down glens or, if you are near the coast, may include a ferry ride! Please check the property map to make sure the location is right for you.
