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...on the estates of the nobles and good men of the Saxon race it is the custom to
have a Cross, which is dedicated to Our Lord and held in great reverence, erected on
some prominent spot, for the convenience of those who wish to pray before it.
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...the Anglo-Saxon nun, Hunebere
Prominent features of a locality and customary places of congregation, standing crosses attracted much activity
about them. At Milborne Port (south
Somerset), the borough's
parliamentary
elections were held around the
village cross. In Kent, the Courts of Brotherhood and Guestling met by a wayside cross to discuss the common
interests of the Cinque Ports until such assemblies
were moved to a meeting hall in New Romney.
Over time, many ancient standing crosses have been damaged and only their base remains. The shafts of many
crosses were destroyed by the troopers of the Puritan Commonwealth after the Civil War to leave only the
bases.
(SOMERSET: Milborne Port)
The 14th century cross which marks the site of the High Altar at Shaftesbury Abbey
is unusual in that it is the only Gothic cross to have alabaster plaques set into it. It also has a niche which
once held a relic.
Standing crosses have their origin in
Anglo-Saxon times
and pre-date churches - they were erected as meeting places for prayer before
churches were built for the purpose. Whilst some are quite simple, some examples
are very ornate.
