More information : (SO 91429876) Pillar (NR) (1) A Saxon cross shaft (about 12ft high and 8ft in circumference) stands in St Peter's churchyard. A college was founded here in AD 996 (see SO 99 NW 13) and this pillar is probably of that date (see photos from auth (2) and (5)). It is considered by Kendrick to be the only carving in England that gives an adequate impression of the southern continental Baroque style art. (2-5) The column is part of a large cross (the upper part missing) standing upon its original foundations. This base is now about 3ft 6ins below the present ground level and when excavated, in 1949, was found to consist of a circle of roughish, large stones in the form of steps. A conglomerate mass of stone rubble, was, at some period, cemented round the base of shaft to check subsidence. (6) As above. (7) No change since report of 28.3.74. Published 1:1250 survey correct. (8) |