Glastonbury Market Cross

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 / 51.1473; -2.7179Coordinates: 51°08′50″N 2°43′04″W / 51.1473°N 2.7179°W / 51.1473; -2.7179
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

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]

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]

References

  1. 1 2 "MARKET CROSS, Glastonbury - 1057910". Historic England. 1950-06-21. Retrieved 2018-09-27.
  2. ↑ "Detailed Result: MONUMENT NO. 193860". Pastscape. Retrieved 2018-09-27.
  3. ↑ "Handbook for Travellers in Wiltshire, Dorsetshire and Somersetshire - John Murray (Firm) - Google Books". Books.google.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-09-27.
  4. 1 2 3 "Gentleman's Magazine, Or Monthly Intelligencer - Sylvanus Urban (pseud. van Edward Cave.) - Google Books". Books.google.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-09-27.
  5. ↑ "The Tourist's Guide to Wells and the Neighbourhood, with Descriptions of ... - Google Books". Books.google.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-09-27.
  6. ↑ "Glastonbury Landmarks and Monuments: Glastonbury, Somerset, England". World-guides.com. Retrieved 2018-09-27.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.