The proposed method of consolidating the monument means that all the stones forming the eastern half of the pedestal will be removed and then replaced. The rubble fill forming the core will also need to be removed and rebuilt. Although the pre-Norman cross has been mutilated and re-set on the stepped pedestal there remains considerable potential for archaeological remains to be uncovered, providing information on the construction and repair of the pedestal, or earlier phases of activity on the site. There is known to be re-used material in the pedestal.
All work will therefore be undertaken with archaeological recording and a watching brief will be a fundamental component of the operation.