Dating from approximately 1150 to 1160, this intricately carved cross holds significant historical and artistic value. It is constructed from walrus bone and boasts a remarkable level of craftsmanship.
The cross is adorned with a total of ninety-two figures and ninety-eight inscriptions, which together represent a complex and sophisticated theological program reminiscent of the facade of a cathedral. The exceptional quality of the carvings and the numerous references to scripture convey a sense of sophistication and erudition in its creation.
However, amidst the Latin inscriptions on this cross, there are disturbing and offensive swear words directed against Jews. These inscriptions provide a sobering testament to the prevalence of anti-Jewish sentiment in medieval Europe. While the hateful words on this specific cross may have been known only within the community of English churchmen, such sentiments were pervasive in society and contributed to waves of unjust persecution against Jews in various regions, including London and York.
Notably, Bury St. Edmunds, the Suffolk town often associated with this cross, witnessed a tragic episode in 1189 when numerous Jewish residents were brutally murdered, and the survivors were forcibly expelled. This event occurred around the same time the cross was being carved. A century later, in 1290, King Edward I issued an edict expelling all Jews from England, marking a dark chapter in the history of anti-Semitic persecution in the country.