Market Cross

The Market Cross in Ripley, located on the east side of Market Place, is a Grade II listed structure that features a market cross with a sundial. The steps are likely medieval, while the shaft and sundial probably date from the 17th century. Made of gritstone, the cross has four tiers of square steps, with the lowest tier measuring approximately 3 meters wide, all constructed from worn blocks secured with iron staples. The base of the shaft consists of two pieces and has a hollow chamfer at the top. The single stone shaft is chamfered with hollow stops at the base and keel-stops at the top. At the top of the shaft is a square slab that supports a cubiform block with chamfered corners, which features the remains of a gnomon on each face. It is suggested that the sundial was installed after the original cross shaft was destroyed, likely around the time the stocks were erected. The Market Cross is also designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument No 418, along with the Stocks.