Conflicting theories over ancient stone at East Riddlesden Hall

It is a remarkable survival.

However the depiction of the eagle of St John is only one of two theories concerning the design on the stone.

I have always believed the bird to be the ‘pelican in her piety’. The Anglo-Saxons saw eagles on a regular basis and would not have depicted one with human legs as on the stone. I suspect this is a ‘made up’ depiction by someone who has never seen a pelican, but believing it to be a fantastical creature which fed its young with its own blood and thus symbolised Christ on this particular design.

I was a room steward at East Riddlesden Hall for 33 years, in the Great Hall, but have recently had to resign due to ill health. The room guide to the Great Hall includes both suggestions. I would encourage any visitors who have not seen the cross fragment to call and see it – but remember the conflicting views concerning it.

David Mosley, Long Lee

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