Listed Building record MDO4740 - Market Cross, High Street, Stalbridge

A medieval market cross with reconstructed twentieth century cross head.

MARKET CROSS (73491800), 250 yds. S.E. of the church, is of the second half of the 15th century and is probably the best example of its kind in Dorset (Plate 50). It is of limestone from Marnhull or Todber and has an octagonal base of three steps above a chamfered plinth. The top step supports a square pedestal with a hollow-chamfered base and a moulded capping; the upper part of the pedestal is given an octagonal plan by partial chamfering of the corners; the four cardinal faces of the octagon so formed have sculptured panels, now too worn to be intelligible (but see Hutchins III, engraving 1 facing p. 674). The tapering shaft is octagonal, with pinnacles in the reserves resulting in a square plan at the base; each pinnacle has a moulded band at half height and a crocketed finial at the top; a corbel projecting from the west face of the shaft supports a carved figure, now weathered beyond recognition, under a nodding ogee-headed canopy with a tall crocketed finial; all these features are integral with the shaft. The shaft is crowned by a capital in the form of four winged figures holding shields. The cross-head has a canopied recess containing a representation of the crucifixion, in relief; above are traceried and crocketed niche-heads and a crocketed finial with four small niches. The original cross-head fell down in 1950 and a modern replica has been substituted. <2> One fragment of the original cross-head may be found in the yard of Mr. M.C. Meader, High Street, and another at the west door of the nave to the church. <3> The cross is HHR. Grade I. <4> ST 73491799. The cross remains as described by R.C.H.M. <2>, and in a good state of preservation. The two dispersed crosshead fragments could not be located. Published detail correct on 1:2500 A.M. <5> Market Cross. Grade II*. <6> Mentioned. <7>

Record last edited

Feb 17 2022 3:31PM