Cross 130[104] Mal Lumkun Cross
Mal Lumkun Cross at Kirk Michael 130[104]
This cross is recorded in Camden's Britannia and by William Kinnebrook in 1841 at which time it stood on the wall of Kirk Michael parish churchyard. It measures five feet nine inches in height by about fifteen inches in width.
Mrs Richards commented -
"A very well carved cross showing a variety of interlacings in panels covering the cross. On each side of the shaft are animals and figures. One group of figures shows a man playing a Celtic harp and another figure with a drinking horn. This is the only cross on which a harp is shown. The carving is on one side only and the runes are cut on the back of the cross".
The runic inscription reads - MAL LUMKUN ERECTED THIS CROSS TO THE MEMORY OF MAL MURA HIS FOSTER MOTHER DAUGHTER OF DUGALD WHOM ATHISL HAD TO WIFE.
A further inscription reads - BETTER IT IS TO LEAVE A GOOD FOSTER SON THAN A BAD SON. It has been suggested that this comment was added by the sculptor of the cross as a tribute to Mal Lumkun, the foster son, who commissioned this memorial.
[Source: Maureen Costain Richards R.B.V]
[Acknowledgement: Manx Crosses]
Author of this Article: Maureen Costain Richards R.B.V