Queen Eleanor'S Cross

Queen Eleanor's Cross is a monumental cross located in Geddington, dating from shortly after 1290. It was discreetly restored in 1892 and is constructed from Weldon limestone ashlar. The cross has a triangular plan and features a tall, subtly moulded basement divided by a string, adorned with diapering and shields carved with the arms of England, Leon and Castile, and Ponthieu on the upper part. The middle section contains canopied niches with three figures of Queen Eleanor, while the upper part is spikily pinnacled. The original cross that would have crowned the structure is missing.

The monument is raised on hexagonal stone steps, which have some blue brick repair. To the south, there is a low block built in 1789, topped by a single massive slab, containing two round-headed entrances with studded round-headed doors that lead to the spring over which the cross is built. A metal plate indicates that the monument is cared for by the Ministry of Public Building and Works.

This cross is the best preserved of the three surviving crosses, the others being at Hardingstone and Waltham, out of twelve that were erected by Edward I in memory of his wife, Eleanor of Castile. These crosses marked the resting places of her funeral cortege during its journey from Lincoln to Westminster Abbey after her death in 1290. The Geddington site likely corresponds to a former royal hunting lodge located northeast of the church. With its subtle geometry, rich decoration, and elegant sculpture, this monument exemplifies the court style of Edward I and represents a high point in English Decorated architecture. It is also designated as a scheduled ancient monument.