Monument record MDO191 - Medieval market cross, The Square, Beaminster

A stone market cross once stood in the market square of Beaminster and was probably of late medieval date. It was removed in about 1750.

At a short distance from the market-house was an ancient cross, decorated with carving and surrounded with rows of steps. It was destroyed about 1750, but the site remains exempt from market tolls and customs. <1> A stone cross formerly stood in the market place at Beaminster. There is no detailed description of this cross, which was taken down in about 1750. It was described by John Banger Russell in the late 18th century as being 'adorned with carved work with a high ascent of steps' <4>. Its date is not known, but is probably late medieval. Its precise location in the market place is not known. According to Pope, the site where the cross had stood was occupied in his time by a large memorial of Ham Hill stone, erected by Vincent Robinson of Parnham to his sister Elizabeth. <3> The site is now occupied by a surfaced car park. No traces of antiquity could be found. <5>

Record last edited

Oct 10 2022 11:07AM