The Market Cross

The Market Cross, erected in 1814 and designed by James Wyatt, replaces an earlier cross. This stone structure features a square design in two stages with a Gothic character. The lower stage has a panel on each face framed by four-centred and pointed moulded arches, along with a string course and a carved balustrade topped with solid panels. The upper stage is an elaborately buttressed steeple turret adorned with running poppy head decorations at the center and secondary finials. It stands on a series of pointed cusped arches supported by buttressed piers, with additional flying buttress angle supports crowned by pointed and enriched pinnacles. The cross is set on six stone steps and surrounded by a large paved octagonal area. It commemorates the tragic story of Ruth Pierce, who wished to drop dead if she had not paid her share of a sack of corn. After repeating this three times, she dropped dead, and the money was found in her hand. The Market Cross, along with the listed buildings on the South-West Side, South-East Side, Market Hall, and Fountain, forms a cohesive group.