Market Cross

The Market Cross is a Grade I listed structure from the early 17th century, featuring an octagonal plan. It is timber-framed with lead roofs and stands on a brick plinth.

The exterior has three storeys that decrease in size, topped with ogee-shaped, lead-covered roofs. The lower storey is an open, octagonal timber-framed space supported by eight heavy crown posts. Each post holds a horizontal beam that radiates from the center and connects to the next crown post. The posts are set in a sole plate and secured with iron ties, all resting on a red brick plinth laid in English bond. The first floor is a smaller octagonal room with eight-light windows featuring diamond leaded lights on alternating faces, with timber panels in between. The second floor has two-light windows with diamond leaded lights on alternate faces, topped with an ogee roof and a brass weathervane. A clock is mounted on the south-east face.

Access to the interior is via a ladder through a trap door in the center of the floor. The first floor showcases exposed timber-framing with eight heavy horizontal beams supporting the roof, along with smaller, later slender angled posts. At the time of the survey in 2023, an Acrow Prop was supporting the central radiating timbers. There is also a built-in cupboard and the clock mechanism is visible. The second floor, also accessed by ladder, contains a bell marked “Gillett and Johnston bell founders, Croydon,” with its striking mechanism connected to the clock.