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:
Group of three bowl barrows 180m south of Tyning's Farm: part of the Tyning's Farm round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 390m northeast of Bristol Plain FarmDuck decoy 175m south west of Parson's FarmBowl barrow 350m northeast of Cheddar Head FarmLongbottom Farm earthworkVillage crossDuck decoy, west of Nyland HillBowl barrow 420m east of Bristol Plain FarmGorsey Bigbury earth circle and round barrow near LongwoodSoldier's Hole, Cheddar GorgeAveline's Hole, Burrington CombeMarket cross at the junction of Bath Street, Union Street and Church StreetBowl barrow 300m north east of Tyning's FarmBowl barrow 350m east of Batts Coombe QuarryWestbury Beacon, a bell barrow 720m west of Brimble Pit PoolRowberrow Cavern, Mendip ForestSlight univallate hillfort and associated earthworks on Burrington HamEarly Christian settlement and monastic site at Marchey FarmGough's Cave, Cheddar GorgeGough's Old CaveRound barrows 600yds (550m) NW of Longbottom FarmRoman settlement at Town FieldBowl barrow 430m northwest of King Down FarmWestbury Camp, slight univallate hillfort, 750m north of Stokewood CottageBowl barrow 870m southwest of Charterhouse Warren FarmMedieval estate boundary earthwork on Shute Shelve HillRomano-British settlement on Stoke MoorCalamine mining remains, south of Glovers FieldPair of bowl barrows 640m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 820m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeterySun Hole, Cheddar GorgeDolebury Camp: a large univallate hillfort and associated and later earthworks on Dolebury WarrenWayside cross at Stoughton CrossTwin round barrows 750yds (696m) N of Bowpit FarmBowl barrow 340m north-east of Wellington FarmBowl barrow 300m east of Batts Coombe QuarryBowl barrow 460m east of Charterhouse Warren FarmBowl barrow 400m southeast of Wellington FarmBowl barrow 330m east of Batts Coombe QuarryRoman amphitheatre 1/2 mile (800m) N of CharterhouseBowl barrow, 540m west of Brimble Pit PoolBowl barrow 250m south west of Ashridge FarmBowl barrow 420m north of Stoke WoodsBowl barrow 75m south west of Long House BarnDuck decoy east of Barrow Wood LaneBowl barrow 190m south west of Tyning's Farm: part of the Tyning's Farm round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 400m north of Stoke WoodsBowl barrow 550m southwest of NordrachDeserted medieval hamlet E of DraycottBowl barrow 410m northeast of Bristol Plain FarmRowberrow Camp: an Iron Age defended settlement north west of Tynings FarmBowl barrow 550m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 590m south-east of Charterhouse Warren FarmCharterhouse lead worksBowl barrow 900m south west of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a group of round barrows south and south west of Bristol Plain FarmBowl barrow 250m south east of Tyning's Farm: part of the Tyning's Farm round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 430m southwest of King Down FarmManor house at MudgleyRoman settlement site, Anglo-Saxon and Norman royal palace, and St Columbanus' ChapelSaye's Hole, Cheddar GorgeBowl barrow 91m south of Piney Sleight FarmBowl barrow, 455m west of Brimble Pit PoolWestbury village crossBowl barrow 330m north of Stoke WoodsBowl barrow 430m north east of Stoke WoodsGreat Oone's HoleCamp 600yds (548m) E of CharterhouseStar Roman villa, 275m north east of WimblestoneBowl barrow 700m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryWorld War II anti-aircraft rocket battery and bombing decoy control building 265m north east of Ashridge FarmBowl barrow 850m south of Bristol Plain Farm: part of a linear round barrow cemeteryWimblestone standing stoneWorld War II bombing decoy complex, anti-aircraft obstructions and Beacon Batch round barrow cemetery on Black DownBowl barrow 150m southwest of King Down FarmBlackford Manor House Moat.
