North York Moors CAM

The Crosses of the North York Moors

Ainhowe or Ana Cross

(Grid Ref: 724938)

. . .

Ainhowe or Ana Cross ........................ ............................. . . Ana Cross (looking south)

Ainhowe or Ana Cross is situated about ½ a mile east of Rosedale Chimney Bank on wild Spaunton Moor
and has been a prominent landmark for hundreds of years.

The original cross can be seen in the crypt of Lastingham Church, about 2 miles south of the present structure
which stands at an impressive height of over 3 metres. This makes it the tallest cross on the moors but at one time it stood even higher,
8 metres high! The cross has been restored quite recently and the difference in colour of the new shaft can clearly be seen.
However, it will soon weather to match the top part in due course.

As you can see from the above photograph, Ana Cross is often a welcome resting place for walkers.

The top of the original Ainhowe Cross in the crypt at Lastingham Church

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