Glastonbury Market Cross is a market cross in Glastonbury, Somerset, England. Erected in 1846, it was designed by the English architect Benjamin Ferrey and has been a Grade II listed structure since 1950.[1]
| Glastonbury Cross | |
|---|---|
 The Market Cross in 2018 | |
| Location | Glastonbury, Somerset, England |
| Coordinates | 51°08′50″N 2°43′04″W / 51.1473°N 2.7179°W |
| Built | 1856 |
| Architect | Benjamin Ferrey |
Listed Building – Grade II | |
| Official name | Market Cross |
| Designated | 21 June 1950 |
| Reference no. | 1057910 |
  Location of Glastonbury Cross in Somerset | |
History edit
Glastonbury's cross replaced an earlier structure of early 16th century origin, described as having been "of some antiquity", octagonal with clustered pillars, a central column and a roof.[2][3] It fell into a state of disrepair and was demolished around 1806.[4] Later in the 19th century, T. Porch, the proprietor of Glastonbury Abbey, proposed that a new market cross be erected on the same site.[5] It was erected in 1846 under the supervision of Ferrey and has most recently undergone restoration in 2005.[6]
Design edit
Glastonbury Cross is built of Bath stone in a Perpendicular Gothic style and has a height of 38 feet.[4] It has an octagonal base supporting a spirelet, which is embellished with ornamental work and tracery.[1]
Reporting on the cross in 1846, The Gentleman's Magazine described it as an "elegant structure" and a "great ornament to the town" with a "noble and imposing appearance". They added: "It is of a mixed style of architecture, conceived upon the outline of the famous conduit at Rouen, and from the elegant crosses of Geddington and Waltham".[4]
References edit
- ^ a b Historic England (21 June 1950). "MARKET CROSS, Glastonbury (1057910)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
- ^ Historic England. "Monument No. 193860". Research records (formerly PastScape). Retrieved 27 September 2018.
- ^ Handbook for Travellers in Wiltshire, Dorsetshire and Somersetshire - John Murray (Firm). J. Murray. 1869. p. 254. Retrieved 27 September 2018 – via Internet Archive.
market cross glastonbury 1846.
- ^ a b c "Gentleman's Magazine, Or Monthly Intelligencer - Sylvanus Urban (pseud. van Edward Cave.) - Google Books". 1846. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
- ^ "The Tourist's Guide to Wells and the Neighbourhood, with Descriptions of ... - Google Books". 1849. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
- ^ "Glastonbury Landmarks and Monuments: Glastonbury, Somerset, England". World-guides.com. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
