The Bristol High Cross

The Bristol High Cross is a market cross that dates from the early 15th century, with additions from the early 16th century and 1633. Originally located in Bristol, it was moved to Stourhead by Henry Hoare in 1765 and underwent restorations in 1894 and 1981. The cross is made of limestone and features four tiers of decreasing height. The lower stage is open and supported by four octagonal piers with cusped ogee arches, with the central pier restored in 1981. The second stage has canopied niches that contain replicas of four statues, which are said to represent King John, Henry III, and two of Edward I, and is adorned with crocketed pinnacles at the corners. The third stage, added in 1633, features canopied niches with seated figures of Henry VI, Elizabeth I, James I, and Charles I. The upper stage has small canopied niches displaying heraldic shields flanked by small figures, topped with a crocketed pinnacle and a cross finial. The cross originally stood at a street crossing in the center of medieval Bristol, was taken down and moved to College Green in 1736, but was dismantled in 1762. Henry Hoare, a friend of The Dean, acquired the monument for his landscape development at Stourhead. The Bristol High Cross is a Scheduled Ancient Monument in Wiltshire, No 247.