Gaut's Cross (Kirk Michael)

Cross carved by 'Gaut Bjornson' — he SIGNED his work in runes, making this one of the few Viking-era carved stones with a named artist. The runic inscription reads approximately 'Gaut made this and all in Mann'. This suggests Gaut was a MASTER CARVER who made many or all of the crosses on the island. WHY: A named Viking artist is exceptionally rare. Gaut's home base was clearly Kirk Michael, and his patronage by local Norse chieftains proves the area's wealth. The cross is in Kirk Michael church — free access. The surrounding farmland is detecting-rich Norse territory.