The Cross

The Cross is a market cross dating from the late 15th century to early 16th century. It was renovated around 1800 by the Earl of Suffolk and underwent repairs between 1909 and 1950. Constructed from limestone ashlar, it has an octagonal plan centered around a shaft. Each of its eight faces features a moulded four-centre open arch with a low plinth, and there are two entrances facing southwest and northeast, adorned with foliate spandrels beneath a drip and a crenellated parapet. Angle buttresses between the arches have crocketed pinnacles that rise from two levels of weathering. A large lantern sits above the roof, supported by cyma-moulded arch-braced roll top flying buttresses. Figures of saints and the Crucifixion are set in niches beneath attached finials, topped with an elaborate ogee cap featuring crockets and finials. Inside, the central octagonal shaft is surrounded by attached columns and a low bench, with matching columns on the inside of the buttresses, supporting a lierne vault with decorative bosses. Historical records indicate that it was built in living memory around 1544 "for poore market folkes to stande dry when rayne cummith." This structure is considered an extremely fine example of its type.