Fragments of Anglo-Saxon cross go on display at East Riddlesden Hall

Fragments of an Anglo-Saxon cross dug up 30 years apart have gone on display at an historic manor house.

The cross, which is thought to date back to the 8th or 9th Century, was found in two sections at East Riddlesden Hall, near Keighley.

One section was uncovered in 1959 during driveway renovations while another was found in a dry stone wall on the site three decades later.

The National Trust said it was an "irreplaceable piece" of history.

The top section features a carving of a bird, believed to be an eagle and symbol of St John the Baptist, while craftsmen covered the lower section in intricate interlaced patterns.

They have now been brought together in a custom-made metal stand at the 17th Century manor.

Mark Newman, an archaeological consultant for the National Trust said: "It just gives you that little pin-prick of light into the history of the site.

"You've got this one memorial surviving above ground of all those centuries of the early East Riddlesden.

"I think it's value is that it really connects us with the past, it's a completely irreplaceable piece of our island's history."

Amy Gregory, collections and house officer, added: "We are very excited to have the cross fragments displayed securely with new lighting and interpretation. This is just the start of our work to reinterpret the hall and the stories we tell here".

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