The Old Cross

This gargoyle stands guard at one of the octagonal corners of 'the Old Cross' in Newtownards, County Down.

The town has been the site of community since 1177, when the Normans first took up residence.

I passed by this little chap today, as the Ards Man and I were ambling back to the car after having coffee in the town. The structure is made from the local Scrabo sandstone and marked the meeting point of the roads coming into the ancient town. The Old Cross was erected in 1636, so has been looking out on the world for almost 400 years.

I'm not sure if this gargoyle has been around for that long, but I reckon he's looking good for his age.