Building record 860/1/2 - Cross base and headstone approx 5m south of south chapel of Church of St. Luke

Remains of churchyard cross, St Luke's Churchyard, Cold Higham. The remains comprise a socket stone with a small portion of the shaft resting on the ground. There is no sign of the base. The stone is constructed of limestone.

{1} Cross base and headstone. Medieval and C17. Limestone. Cross base is medieval with square plinth, broach stops to angles, octagonal moulded base and stump of square cross shaft. Headstone has shaped top and inscription to Elizabeth Gey, d.1688.

{4} In the churchyard to the south of the chancel are the remains of a once elegant cross. It now comprises a socket resting on the ground, 1' 4" high, and 7" of the shaft, bonded with lead.

{5} Undated photo; and photo dated 15/01/94; and photo from different angle dated 15/01/94;

{6} Drawing, with measurements, dated October 11th 1895.

{7} The remains of the cross are situated at SP 6627 5348. See photograph.

[8} The remains comprise a socket stone with a small portion of the shaft resting on the ground. There is no sign of a base and it would appear that this disappeared before the mid 19th century.

The socket stone does justify the term 'elegant' on its base it would have been quite imposing. It is constructed of limestone while the church itself is sandstone. It is possible the cross was moved during the 18th century when the church tower was restored and rebuilt, or it may have been dismantled during the Cromwellian period.

Given that there must have once been a base and the stone may have been moved it does not fulfil the requirements for scheduling. It is recommended that the stone be cleaned and taken into the church to protect it from further weathering.

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 7/35 (checked) (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), F09 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN45262.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP65SE7 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<4> Markham C.A., 1896, The Stone Crosses of The County of Northampton, p. 177 (Article). SNN59901.

<5> Various, Various, Photographs of buildings in Cold Higham (Photographs). SNN111561.

<6> Dryden H.E.L., 1842-1895, Dryden Collection, DR/25/67/16 (Archive). SNN115.

<7> Baird, J., 1970, Field investigators comments (Notes). SNN110341.

<8> English Heritage Alternative Action Report, Went , C. 12-FEB-1997 (Report). SNN113037.

Record last edited

Mar 20 2025 4:27PM