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 FarmWorld War II anti-aircraft rocket battery and bombing decoy control building 265m north east of Ashridge FarmBowl barrow 430m northwest of King Down FarmWestbury Beacon, a bell barrow 720m west of Brimble Pit PoolWimblestone standing stoneBowl barrow, 455m west of Brimble Pit PoolBowl barrow 420m north of Stoke WoodsBowl barrow 700m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryDuck decoy east of Barrow Wood LaneBowl barrow 430m southwest of King Down FarmRound barrows 600yds (550m) NW of Longbottom FarmBowl barrow 460m east of Charterhouse Warren FarmLongbottom Farm earthworkBowl barrow 550m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 550m southwest of NordrachBlackford Manor House MoatCamp 600yds (548m) E of CharterhouseSaye's Hole, Cheddar GorgeManor house at MudgleyBowl barrow 330m north of Stoke WoodsDolebury Camp: a large univallate hillfort and associated and later earthworks on Dolebury WarrenBowl barrow 350m northeast of Cheddar Head FarmRowberrow Camp: an Iron Age defended settlement north west of Tynings FarmBowl barrow, 540m west of Brimble Pit PoolBowl barrow 340m north-east of Wellington FarmDuck decoy, west of Nyland HillRoman settlement at Town FieldBowl barrow 590m south-east of Charterhouse Warren FarmBowl barrow 250m south east of Tyning's Farm: part of the Tyning's Farm round barrow cemeterySoldier's Hole, Cheddar GorgeWestbury village crossAveline's Hole, Burrington CombePair of bowl barrows 640m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeterySlight univallate hillfort and associated earthworks on Burrington HamSun Hole, Cheddar GorgeBowl barrow 390m northeast of Bristol Plain FarmBowl barrow 300m east of Batts Coombe QuarryCharterhouse lead worksGough's Cave, Cheddar GorgeBowl barrow 410m northeast of Bristol Plain FarmDeserted medieval hamlet E of DraycottBowl barrow 820m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryGreat Oone's HoleBowl barrow 75m south west of Long House BarnRomano-British settlement on Stoke MoorWestbury Camp, slight univallate hillfort, 750m north of Stokewood CottageMarket cross at the junction of Bath Street, Union Street and Church StreetBowl barrow 250m south west of Ashridge FarmWayside cross at Stoughton CrossGough's Old CaveBowl barrow 400m southeast of Wellington FarmBowl barrow 150m southwest of King Down FarmBowl barrow 400m north of Stoke WoodsBowl barrow 850m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryDuck decoy 175m south west of Parson's FarmBowl barrow 91m south of Piney Sleight FarmWorld War II bombing decoy complex, anti-aircraft obstructions and Beacon Batch round barrow cemetery on Black DownVillage crossBowl barrow 350m east of Batts Coombe QuarryGroup of three bowl barrows 180m south of Tyning's Farm: part of the Tyning's Farm round barrow cemeteryEarly Christian settlement and monastic site at Marchey FarmBowl barrow 900m south west of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a group of round barrows south and south west of Bristol Plain FarmBowl barrow 330m east of Batts Coombe QuarryRoman settlement site, Anglo-Saxon and Norman royal palace, and St Columbanus' ChapelBowl barrow 870m southwest of Charterhouse Warren FarmBowl barrow 300m north east of Tyning's FarmCalamine mining remains, south of Glovers FieldMedieval estate boundary earthwork on Shute Shelve HillBowl barrow 430m north east of Stoke WoodsStar Roman villa, 275m north east of WimblestoneRowberrow Cavern, Mendip ForestBowl barrow 190m south west of Tyning's Farm: part of the Tyning's Farm round barrow cemeteryRoman amphitheatre 1/2 mile (800m) N of CharterhouseGorsey Bigbury earth circle and round barrow near LongwoodBowl barrow 420m east of Bristol Plain Farm.
