Harrinson Testimonial Cross

Commemorative cross, designed by Spencer Slingsby-Stallwood and erected in 1887. Restored in 2023.

MATERIALS: the monument is constructed of Portland stone with a lower base of red brick.

DESCRIPTION: the cross is designed in a Gothic Revival style. It comprises a tapering octagonal shaft with a crocketed and canopied pinnacle capped by a cross. Beneath the cross is a stepped, octagonal base, the uppermost part has floral carvings and bears the inscription: ‘By Thy Cross and Passion Good Lord Deliver Us’. The Gothic blind tracery which decorates the lower body features shields showing the arms of Harrinson, the Borough of Reading, the Diocese of Salisbury and the Diocese of Oxford. The lower part of the base comprises four octagonal plain steps. The restored western face of the top step reads: ‘Erected / by public subscription to record the munificence of / ISAAC HARRINSON Esq. / by which the improvements in St. Mary’s Butts / were brought to a successful completion / A. D. 1887 / The year of the Jubilee of Queen Victoria.’ On the step below is the faint outline of metal lettering, now lost, which originally read: ‘Architect - Mr S Slingsby Stallwood / Builders – Messers. Wheeler.’ Beneath the lowermost stone step are two courses of brickwork laid in header bond.

This list entry was subjected to a Minor Enhancement on 17 April 2024 to amend details in the description