Cheddar Market Cross
Cheddar Market Cross
The Market Cross in Cheddar stands as an emblematic landmark, echoing the region’s medieval heritage. Dating back to the 15th century, this historic structure features an ashlar foundation and a central octagonal pier. The socket of the cross is majestically raised on three successive steps and is embraced by a hexagonal shelter. This shelter, rejuvenated in 1834, showcases six beautifully crafted four-centred arch openings. To further accentuate its structural integrity, there are shallow two-stage buttresses at each angle, crowned with an embattled parapet. Though the original cross atop the shaft is absent, an abacus adorned with figures in niches, likely from the late 19th century, graces its zenith.
The Market Cross’s significance and architectural finesse are acknowledged by its Grade II* listed status, a testament to its historical and architectural value. The reconstruction of the shelter in the 19th century was overseen by Thomas, the Marquis of Bath, ensuring the structure retained its venerable charm. As a beacon of Cheddar’s rich past, the Market Cross continues to be a focal point for both locals and visitors alike.
Cheddar Market Cross is in Mendip Hills AONB, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Created: 11 August 2023 Edited: 29 November 2023
Cheddar Market Cross
Local History around Cheddar Market Cross
There are some historic monuments around including:
Twin round barrows 750yds (696m) N of Bowpit FarmGreat Oone's HoleCalamine mining remains, south of Glovers FieldBowl barrow 350m northeast of Cheddar Head FarmDuck decoy 175m south west of Parson's FarmBowl barrow 430m northwest of King Down FarmBowl barrow 91m south of Piney Sleight FarmMarket cross at the junction of Bath Street, Union Street and Church StreetStar Roman villa, 275m north east of WimblestoneManor house at MudgleyWimblestone standing stoneBowl barrow 550m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 300m north east of Tyning's FarmWestbury Camp, slight univallate hillfort, 750m north of Stokewood CottageBowl barrow 850m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryDolebury Camp: a large univallate hillfort and associated and later earthworks on Dolebury WarrenWorld War II bombing decoy complex, anti-aircraft obstructions and Beacon Batch round barrow cemetery on Black DownWestbury Beacon, a bell barrow 720m west of Brimble Pit PoolBowl barrow, 540m west of Brimble Pit PoolRowberrow Cavern, Mendip ForestRoman amphitheatre 1/2 mile (800m) N of CharterhouseLongbottom Farm earthworkBowl barrow 420m north of Stoke WoodsRound barrows 600yds (550m) NW of Longbottom FarmSoldier's Hole, Cheddar GorgeBowl barrow 820m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryCamp 600yds (548m) E of CharterhouseBowl barrow 430m north east of Stoke WoodsRoman settlement site, Anglo-Saxon and Norman royal palace, and St Columbanus' ChapelBowl barrow 190m south west of Tyning's Farm: part of the Tyning's Farm round barrow cemeteryGough's Cave, Cheddar GorgeBowl barrow 350m east of Batts Coombe QuarryWorld War II anti-aircraft rocket battery and bombing decoy control building 265m north east of Ashridge FarmWayside cross at Stoughton CrossGorsey Bigbury earth circle and round barrow near LongwoodRomano-British settlement on Stoke MoorBowl barrow 250m south west of Ashridge FarmBowl barrow 460m east of Charterhouse Warren FarmGough's Old CaveBowl barrow 400m north of Stoke WoodsBowl barrow 330m north of Stoke WoodsBowl barrow 400m southeast of Wellington FarmCharterhouse lead worksSun Hole, Cheddar GorgeBowl barrow 590m south-east of Charterhouse Warren FarmBowl barrow 410m northeast of Bristol Plain FarmVillage crossEarly Christian settlement and monastic site at Marchey FarmWestbury village crossBowl barrow 700m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryDeserted medieval hamlet E of DraycottBowl barrow 300m east of Batts Coombe QuarryBowl barrow 550m southwest of NordrachRoman settlement at Town FieldBlackford Manor House MoatBowl barrow 420m east of Bristol Plain FarmDuck decoy, west of Nyland HillMedieval estate boundary earthwork on Shute Shelve HillBowl barrow 390m northeast of Bristol Plain FarmGroup of three bowl barrows 180m south of Tyning's Farm: part of the Tyning's Farm round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 870m southwest of Charterhouse Warren FarmBowl barrow 75m south west of Long House BarnBowl barrow 330m east of Batts Coombe QuarryPair of bowl barrows 640m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 250m south east of Tyning's Farm: part of the Tyning's Farm round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 900m south west of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a group of round barrows south and south west of Bristol Plain FarmRowberrow Camp: an Iron Age defended settlement north west of Tynings FarmBowl barrow 430m southwest of King Down FarmDuck decoy east of Barrow Wood LaneBowl barrow 150m southwest of King Down FarmAveline's Hole, Burrington CombeSlight univallate hillfort and associated earthworks on Burrington HamBowl barrow, 455m west of Brimble Pit PoolBowl barrow 340m north-east of Wellington FarmSaye's Hole, Cheddar Gorge.
