Glastonbury Market Cross

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Glastonbury Cross
Glastonbury Cross (49266039197).jpg
The Market Cross
Location Glastonbury, Somerset, England
Coordinates 51°08′50″N2°43′04″W / 51.1473°N 2.7179°W / 51.1473; -2.7179
Built1856
Architect Benjamin Ferrey
Listed Building – Grade II
Official nameMarket Cross
Designated21 June 1950
Reference no.1057910
Somerset UK location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Location of Glastonbury Cross in Somerset

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]

Contents

History

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

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]

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References

  1. 1 2 Historic England (21 June 1950). "MARKET CROSS, Glastonbury (1057910)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 27 September 2018.
  2. ↑ Historic England. "Monument No. 193860". Research records (formerly PastScape). Retrieved 27 September 2018.
  3. ↑ 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.
  4. 1 2 3 "Gentleman's Magazine, Or Monthly Intelligencer - Sylvanus Urban (pseud. van Edward Cave.) - Google Books". 1846. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
  5. ↑ "The Tourist's Guide to Wells and the Neighbourhood, with Descriptions of ... - Google Books". 1849. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
  6. ↑ "Glastonbury Landmarks and Monuments: Glastonbury, Somerset, England". World-guides.com. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
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