Wolverhampton Pillar


The Wolverhampton Pillar is the shaft of an Anglo-Saxon High cross, still standing in its original location in the churchyard of St Peter's Collegiate Church, in Wolverhampton, England.
It is a scheduled ancient monument, and probably dates from around AD 996 when a college was founded at this site.
The decoration is of an extremely rare type, and has survived the effects of weathering comparatively well. It consists of seven bands, depicting vine scrolls, various animals, acanthus, and lattice-work.
Kendrick considered the decoration to be unique; the only surviving example in England which demonstrated the southern continental Baroque style. He also thought that it illustrated "a taste for a crowded display of finicky decoration", which is also reflected in the later Stapleford Cross.