Building record 249/3/1 - Cross base and war memorial

Culworth - remains of a 13th century market cross containing a 1914-18 war memorial

{1} Cross. Base, medieval. Shaft and cross, C20. Limestone ashlar. Square base with 4 steps. Shaft surmounted by small niches with crocketed canopies and containing carved figures. Cross on top.

{4}13th century cross, consisting of 4 plain square steps surmounted by remains of socket stone. One side of the socket stone has been entirely destroyed.

{5}Restored cross, socket stone now on plinth located at SP54284699. Base of market cross also contains WW1 cross.

{6}There is a cross base on a small green in the middle of the village with a small island building on the south side and this probably identifies the location of the market place.

{9} (SP 54274698) Market Cross (LB)

{10} The restored cross is as described. The socket stone noted by authy {4} which appears to have been rectangular in plan with an offset mortice, now stands on its own plinth on the opposite side of the green at SP 5428 4699. See photos.

{11} No change since report of 21 4 70.

{12} Baker's History of the County of Northampton (Vol 1) notes that the market charter was granted late in the reign of Edward III (1327-77). It is possible therefore that the cross pre-dates the market and was originally a preaching cross.

It seems highly likely that the whole of the base of the cross was taken apart and restructured in a setting of concrete. There is no certainty that the cross remains occupy thier original position but even if they are in situ, reconstruction is likely to have damaged any underlying archaeological deposits. In view of this it does not need the neccessary criteria for scheduling. Its current reuse as a war memorial in a prominent position in the village will no doubt involve Remembrance Day ceremonies and I believe that these factors are sufficient to ensure its future preservation.

{13} Notes on the Cross;

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 11/52 (checked) (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), F03 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN45262.

<3> 1955, OS 6 INCH MAP, (unchecked) (Map). SNN9525.

<4> Markham C.A., 1896, The Stone Crosses of The County of Northampton, p.168 (unchecked) (Article). SNN59901.

<5> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP54NW4 (unchecked) (Index). SNN443.

<6> Taylor J.; Foard G.; Ballinger J., 2002, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Overview, Appendix 2 (Report). SNN103118.

<7> Dryden H.E.L., 1842-1895, Dryden Collection, Parish Files (unchecked) (Archive). SNN115.

<8> Bailey, S., Photos of Culworth, (checked) (Photographic prints (B&W)). SNN108993.

<9> Ordnance Survey Map (Scale/date), OS 6" 1955 (Map). SNN112944.

<10> Seaman, B H, 1970, Field Investigator's Comments, F1 BHS 21-APR-70 (Notes). SNN111541.

<11> Colquhoun, FD, 1977, Field Investigators Comments, F2 FDC 12-MAY-77 (Notes). SNN114135.

<12> English Heritage Alternative Action Report, Went, C. 07-FEB-1997 (Report). SNN113037.

<13> Dryden H.E.L., 1842-1895, Dryden Collection, DR/25/82/26 (Archive). SNN115.

Record last edited

Dec 20 2023 11:54AM