Building record 1301/1/3 - Churchyard Cross c.8m South of South Aisle of St. Peter's Church

Remains of a Medieval churchyard stone cross located within St Peters Churchyard 30 metres south east of the south porch. Dated late 14th century or 15th century. The base of the cross is of mortared block construction including a raised ironstone plinth and 2 ashlar limestone steps, some having quatrefoil friezes. The remains of a square shaft, which has pilaster bands at the corners and symbols of the 4 evangelists on the sides, are morticed into the socket stone. Scheduled.

{1} The socket and small piece of the shaft of a late 14th century cross, on two square steps, stand in the churchyard.

{2} (TL 00047306) Cross (LB)

{3} Churchyard cross. C14th/C15th. Limestone ashlar. Square with 3 steps. Quatrefoil frieze around upper step. Chamfered octagonal socket has truncated shaft decorated with animals probably representing the symbols of the four Evangelists. Scheduled Ancient Monument.

{5} The cross is believed to be of medieval origin, its architectural style suggesting a late 14th or 15th century date. The base of the cross is of mortared block construction and includes a raised ironstone plinth approximately 3.2m square, and two limestone ashlar steps. Both steps have deep risers and heavy mouldings. The riser of the lower step is plain, but the riser of the upper step, which is some 1.66m square, has quatrefoil friezes on all four faces. The quatrefoils enclose crosses of various designs. This step appears to have been reduced at some stage with the removal of a half panel of each frieze. The socket stone is approximately 0.75m square at its base, and the corners of the upper surface are chamfered to form an octagon. The remains of a square shaft approximately 1.12m high are morticed into the socket stone. The shaft has pilaster bands at the corners and symbols of the four Evangelists on the sides. The full height of the cross is approximately 3.04m.

{6} Two undated photos;

<1> Salzman L.F.(ed), 1937, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, p.39 (unchecked) (Series). SNN100371.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, TL07SW7 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<3> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 6/104 (checked) (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<4> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), G07 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN41470.

<5> English Heritage, 1992, English Heritage Scheduling Notification, (checked) (Report). SNN47128.

<6> Photographs of buildings in Overthorpe (Photographs). SNN112890.

<7> Seaman, BH, 1969, Field investigators comments, 26/Nov (Notes). SNN111907.

Record last edited

Mar 14 2024 9:28AM