Weeping Cross Approximately 5 Metres North Of Church Of All Saints

Weeping Cross is a medieval structure located approximately 5 metres north of the Church of All Saints in Ripley. It is made of gritstone and consists of two circular blocks of stone. The lower block features eight recesses with segmental lower edges and a continuous roll moulding along each edge. The upper stone has slightly inward-bowed sides, and the overall height of the cross is about 1.5 metres, with a rectangular cavity at the top. The recesses are believed to have allowed the faithful to kneel, although it is thought that the cross originally stood higher, possibly on another plinth, suggesting the recesses were intended for bowed heads. The Church of All Saints was built around 1395, and it is unclear whether the cross was moved from an earlier church site further south or if it was already present or newly erected at that time. The Weeping Cross is also designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.