The Market Cross

The Market Cross in Mildenhall is a 15th-century market cross with a hexagonal plan. It is an open, single-storey structure made of timber framing. The roof is a leaded pyramid, and a lead sheet on the roof is dated 1681, featuring the initials R.C. and W.M. At the top, there is a central wooden spike finial with an iron weathervane. Each of the six rib-moulded corner posts is supported by hewn moulded pilasters, which hold arch-bracing on all four sides. This arch-bracing supports a tie-beam that spans between each post. Additional tie-beams radiate from the center of the structure, cantilevering over the posts at each corner. A central pillar on the main tie-beam supports the apex of the roof, where the principal rafters from each corner meet. The eaves feature a moulded fascia, with a moulded drop-finial at each corner, arch-braced up to the fascia. The structure is weathered but largely original, aside from some replacement roof members. It is also designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.