More information : [SK 48903732] Cross [G.T.]. (1)
A Mercian round-shaft cross at Stapleford, Notts. [See
A0:59:333:2] The shaft is now 10 feet in height; it belongs
unmistakably to the round-shaft family because the lower portion
has rounded edges and the upper portion is square-sectioned and
shows the characteristic slices. The shaft, however, is zoned, and
the two principal belts are covered with a close-woven mesh of
complicated interlace of varied patterns. Another peculiarity is
that on one of the facets of the sliced portion there is a
grotesque and flattened spindle-legged angel, and another unusual
feature is that the sunken spaces of the slices do not run up
into the cross-head but are treated as ornamental panels. It is
obvious that this shaft has been decorated ... in a distinctly
Mercian manner, and it seems to me to reflect the taste for a
crowded display of finicky decoration that is illustrated by
the earlier Wolverhampton pillar, and to perpetuate the finely
woven Anglian interlace to be seen on the Brunswick Casket and
the Witham Pins". (2)
"Stapleford ... Cross in the churchyard. By far the most
important pre-conquest monument in Notts. A large shaft with
base and top, renewed in 1820 ... The date may be as late as
C.1050". (3)
"For many years the cross-shaft lay neglected in the churchyard
and its head disappeared, but in 1760 it was set up at the
road junction to the south-east of the churchyard [This agrees
with the siting in 1] ... In 1820 [it] was protected by being
set up on a square-built base, and the present square cap
surmounted by a ball was provided.. It was moved to its present
setting in 1928". (4)
The cross formerly at SK 48913732 was moved to SK 48903735 in 1929. (5)
Stapleford Cross. Scheduled Ancient Monument. (6)
The cross is as described above save that the 19th C. ball
finial has not survived.
See photos and A0 colour slide. (7)
Stapleford Anglo-Saxon Cross. Grade I (full account in Listed Buildings volume). (8) |