Building record 1681/1/2 - Brigstock Market Cross

Market cross at Brigstock. Stone cross shaft on four steps within a pitched stone surround of the 16th century. The steps were rebuilt between 1900 and 1928, this is probably when the weathervane was added. Futher restoration was carried out in 1986. Scheduled.

{1} Market cross. Probably medieval socket and shaft with dates 1586, 1705, 1778 and 1887 and 1953. Steps restored early C20. Octagonal ashlar shaft set on square socket with flight of 4 squared coursed limestone steps. Head of shaft has Royal arms on 4 sides surmounted by a ball finial. Dates refer to events relating to Queens of England; other partially legible initials on the shaft. Scheduled as an Ancient Monument. Was removed from the list on 14/12/1998.
[check last comment - is it really de-Listed?)

{2} Market cross. Probably medieval socket and shaft with dates 1586, 1705, 1778, 1887 and 1953.

{3} SMC consent letter for proposed repairs to the weather vane socket and straightening of the spindle.

{4} A survey was carried out to inspect the condition of Brigstock market cross. Relatively small deterioration since last survey in 1939, though recommended taking down and rebuilding monument plus possibly combined with restoration of some of the stonework lost by erosion. At the minimum there should be insitu maintenance. The author says cynically that, "the final choice will be affected by available funds and the opinions of other interested bodies, may well lie between the two (options)."

{5} B. Giggins has done an article on the cross, documenting its history as well as surveying its condition. Documentation includes maps, drawings and photographs. The author makes a list of recommendations for the monument's future. His conclusion is, "The cross is one of the few 16th century market crosses in the country and one of the earliest structures in the county which has the date carved on it. As such it is an important survival. It is also an important visual element of the village centre and indicates the important past of the village."

{6} Correspondence requesting permission to carve a commemoration of the Coronation of Quenn Elizabeth II onto the cross.

{7} Copy of report prepared in January 1939 by the Ministry of works. The report makes some historical comments and then looks at the condition of the structure with recommendations for repairs etc.

{10} An extract from a book on stone crosses in Northamptonshire. 3 pages including picture. Historical and architectual comments.

{12} In 1586 a market cross of stone was erected on Hall Hill. The cross was described by John Bridges in about 1720 as standing on stone steps, with a vane at the top and bearing the arms of Queen Elizabeth. Though somewhat eroded over the succeeding centuries, it stands almost identical today.

{?} NCC GUARDIANSHIP

{17} Undated photo.

{20} The old market cross stands in the centre of Brigstock on a place called Hall Hill. Upon the shaft is inscribed E.R.1586, which may well be the date of erection. The steps, however, may be earlier.

{22} GP. AO/61/141/2 Aspect from East. The plinth is modern. Surveyed.

{26} Drawing dated 1895;

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 15/47 (checked) (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), G09 p.21 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN41470.

<3> Department of the Environment (Doe), 1986, Proposed Works at Brigstock Market Cross, (checked) (Letter). SNN51762.

<4> Paul Reading & Partners, 1993, Report for Northamptonshire County Council on a Structural Survey of Brigstock Market Cross, (checked) (Report). SNN40480.

<5> Giggins, B., 1993, The Market Cross, Brigstock, (checked) (Report). SNN40481.

<5> Giggins, B., 2011, Brigstock Market Cross, Northamptonshire, (checked) (Report). SNN107365.

<6> Turner, J.A., 1954, Brigstock Market Cross, (checked) (Correspondence). SNN57466.

<7> Ministry of Works, 1939, Brigstock Market Cross, (checked) (Report). SNN43963.

<8> Scheduled Monument Notification, 19-Mar-98 (Note). SNN113001.

<9> 1858, EX. OF ANCIENT DOMESTIC ARCH, (unchecked) (Uncertain). SNN56117.

<10> Markham C.A., 1901, The Stone Crosses of Northamptonshire, pp.27-29 (checked) (Report). SNN5725.

<12> Foard G, 1999, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Brigstock (Medieval + Post Medieval), (unchecked) (Digital archive). SNN100441.

<13> Sharman T., 2006, Condition Report on Twenty-Four Northamptonshire County Heritage Sites, (checked) (Report). SNN105591.

<14> Paul Reading & Partners, 2003, Report on A Structural Survey of Nine County Heritage Sites, (unchecked) (Report). SNN105863.

<15> 1914, Brigstock Market Cross, (checked) (Photographic prints (B&W)). SNN62714.

<16> Historic Buildings Conservation, 2001, Repairs to Brigstock Market Cross, (checked) (Photographic prints (COL)). SNN108472.

<17> Photographs of buildings in Brigstock (Photographs). SNN111673.

<18> Loxston, Rev. G.R., 1977, Church of Saint Andrew, Brigstock, (unchecked) (Guide). SNN108952.

<19> Conisbee, 2012, Brigstock Market Cross Structural Survey (Report). SNN108403.

<20> Markham C.A., 1895, Associated Architectural Societies Reports, p. 165 (Series). SNN13056.

<21> Annotated Record Map, Corr. 6" (H. Seabourne 1961) (Map). SNN112961.

<22> Colquhoun, FD, 1961, Field investigators comments, F1 FDC 4-SEP-61 (Notes). SNN113017.

<23> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, East Northamptonshire, 11-Jan-188, 1742, p. 26 (Report). SNN112993.

<24> Undated, MARKET CROSS, HALL MILL, BRIGSTOCK, BF093187 (Archive). SNN113574.

<25> Undated, MARKET CROSS AT BRIGSTOCK FROM THE EAST, OS61/F141/2 (Archive). SNN113575.

<26> Dryden H.E.L., 1842-1895, Dryden Collection, DR/25/44/1 (Archive). SNN115.

Record last edited

Dec 6 2023 10:50AM