Monument record 1560 - Three early medieval cross shafts in West Park

3 Saxon circular pillar crosses, now in West Park. They were probably removed from Ridge Hall, Sutton, where they were in use as gate posts (1) & (2). Identified as staff-rood crosses (3) & suggested to date from the early 11th century (4). All have circular shafts tapering to a rectangular section above a double role feature. Traces of weathered interlace decoration visible on the rectangular sections. Detailed descriptions of each cross (5). Illustrated (9). Shafts set in a triangular arrangement 2m from each other. E shaft is 1.89m in length, columnar in type and displays interlaced, vine scroll pendant leaves and insised key decoration. the shaft dates to late 9th early 10th century. Later carved letters reading E.F are a later addition. The southern cross is also columnar with a collar and square sectioned neck. 2.1m from ground to top where crosshead & prt of neck have broken off. Base 0.55m diam. Dates to late 9th early 10th century. East side has been sheared away to allow the inside surface to be used as a gate post. two hinge holes have been repaired with stone inserts. The western cross shaft has cross head and part of neck missing. Measures 2.15m from ground surface to top and the base is 0.58m in diam. This shaft dates from the late 9th early 10th century. North side has been sheared away for use as a gate post. A good repair has been made to East face of neck with inserted stone and concrete. These cross shafts may give an insight into the flowering of Christianity and may indicate the N boundary of Mercia in Late-Saxon times (10).

<1> Ormerod, G., 1882, The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, Ormerod G 1882 3/764 (Book). SCH1389.

<2> Earwaker, J P, 1877-1880, East Cheshire Past & Present, 2/1880/486 (Y) (Book). SCH1080.

<3> Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 1883 -, Transactions of the Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 56/119 Green C 1941 (Journal/Periodical). SCH3293.

<4> Collingwood W G, 1927, Northumbrian Crosses of the Pre-Norman Age, /8 (Book). SCH2259.

<5> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), no. 34 a-c (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<5> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), no. 34 a-c (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

<6> Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 1883 -, Transactions of the Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 32/264 1914 (Journal/Periodical). SCH3293.

<7> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ97SW13/1964 (Index). SCH2487.

<8> Pevsner N & Hubbard E, 1971, The Buildings of England: Cheshire, /270 (Book). SCH3078.

<9> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, 1/282,290 Thacker A 1987 (Book). SCH3556.

<10> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), 25633 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<10> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 25633 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

<11> Longley D, 1977-1978, Longley Archive, /no.173 & 191 (Paper Archive). SCH2005.