The Market Cross

The Market Cross is a market cross that was rebuilt in 1673, with repairs made in 1925, 1950, and 1983. It is constructed from local lias stone that has been cut and squared, with Ham stone dressings. The roof is multi-hipped and covered with conoid stone slates, topped with a stone ball finial and a metal cross. The structure has an octagonal plan and features a Keinton stone slab base that is raised by one step. The central octagonal shaft has a three-step base and is corbelled at the top to support the roof timbers. Each bay on the outer face has a segmental voussoired arch with lias imposts and a Ham keystone, with angled offset buttresses at each corner reaching to the impost height. Above this, there is a string course with corner gargoyles and a battlemented parapet. The Market Cross is a significant feature in the street scene. There has been a cross on this site since at least 1390, and this particular cross, which was owned by Lord Ilchester, was sold to the town in 1916. It is also designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (Somerset County No 18).