Re-Used Calvary Cross Slab, Churchyard Of The Church Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

1837/0/10018

ECCLESTON TOWNGATE (Off) RE-USED CALVARY CROSS SLAB, CHURCHYARD OF THE CHURCH OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

24-JUN-10

II* Ledger. Medieval (C13-C15), re-used in 1766 to commemorate John Rigby. Located in churchyard on south-west side of Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Eccleston. Gritstone.

Large rectangular slab aligned east-west. Now lichen covered and south edge partially covered by grass. Original design of incised cross with dovetail terminals set on two step Calvary, with large sword on its right side. Secondary incisions comprise initials 'I(J)R' at the top left and at the top right 'John Rigby / 1766'.

HISTORY: The original cross ledger would have been located within the church. The sword emblem signifies a male burial, to an unknown individual. In the C18 when it was appropriated as a churchyard memorial to one John Rigby who died in 1766.

REASONS FOR DESIGNATION The re-used medieval ledger located on the south-west side of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Eccleston, is designated at Grade II* for the following principal reasons: * Its origin in C13-C15 as a Calvary cross memorial ledger incorporating a sword * Its secondary history as an unusual example of C18 re-use of a formerly internal ledger, showing a continuity of tradition and the desire for perpetual remembrance of an individual by means of a memorial stone.