Cross Base In Churchyard Of St Matthews Church

The cross base in the churchyard of St. Matthew's Church is an Anglian cross base dating from the 10th or 11th century. It is a solid large stone block with four tapering sides and an indented head where the cross shaft would have been, although this is now missing. Each of the four faces features moulded edges and relief carvings, with two sides displaying a foliated vine scroll and one side being blind. The face that fronts the street is divided into two panels with geometric interlace patterns. This cross base is a rare survival and is likely in its original position, where it would have been used as a preaching cross. It shares a similar character with the Walton cross in Hartshead, Kirklees District.