Monument record 1623/1/6 - Probable Late Saxon Cross

A portion of the shaft of a late Saxon cross probably dating to the 10th century was found in Brixworth vicarage garden north west of the house in 1897. It is of red sandstone. The socket on top belongs to the period of re-use. The design shows Scandinavian influence. Pre-Conquest date burials have been found under the house and in the north-west area of the garden. The cross therefore may have been found in its original position but has now been relocated to Brixworth Parish Church.

{1} Part of a Saxon cross was found close to the church.

{2} In 1897 a late Saxon sandstone cross shaft was found in the vicarage garden, north-west of the house. OS give the wrong NGR of SP74337120.

{3} Post card of the fragment in Brixworth Church.

{5} SP 7463 7120: A portion of the shaft of a late Saxon cross probably dating to the 10th century was found in Brixworth vicarage garden north west of the house in 1897. It is of red sandstone and appears to have been re-used in a wall perhaps as a door jamb. The socket on top belongs to the period of re-use. The design, which is typical of the period, shows Scandinavian influence. A large number of burials (SP 77 SW 2) which show indications of pre-Conquest date have been found under the house and in the north-west area of the garden. The cross therefore may have stood originally somewhere near the place where it was discovered. Information on card attached to cross shaft which includes full description of design.
See photograph.

<1> Pavey A.K. Rev., 1906, Some Notes on The Parochial History of Brixworth, p.575-92 (checked) (Series). SNN47065.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP77SW30 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<3> Northampton Museum Records, (unchecked) (Uncertain). SNN126.

<4> Markham C.A., 1901, The Stone Crosses of Northamptonshire, p.32 (unchecked) (Report). SNN5725.

<5> Colquhoun, FD, 1969, Field investigators comments, F1 FDC 13-FEB-69 (Notes). SNN112950.

Record last edited

Dec 7 2023 12:38PM