Monument record 788 - Cross and Lock-up

Cross, Base and Lock-Up, Delamere Street. Formerly listed as Cross and Old Lock-Up. 18th or 19th century. Yellow sandstone ashlar. Square base of nine steps with flat wall in place of rear five steps and central doorway (now blocked) to lock-up incorporated within cross on top with square shaft and slightly wedge-shaped arms and head (1). West step has sides 4.2m long (2). Ref 2 suggests possible cross to commemorate Battle of the Peninsular War (2). Excavation in advance of road works demonstrated that the cross was ancient stone but not in situ. A 4ft deep 17th century ditch ran under it and traces of a late medieval building were located. The lockup may be the one mentioned in the borough charter of c.1300. 2 types of stone used. 9 steps & cross may be 19th century replacements (3).

<1> Department of the Environment, 1971-2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, /4/93 (Report). SCH1934.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ66NW6/1962 (Index). SCH2487.

<3> The Society for Medieval Archaeology, 1957-Present, Medieval Archaeology, Curzon J B 1971 17/175 (Journal/Periodical). SCH2131.

<4> Department for the Environment, Various, Provisional List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, /5/2 1948 (Report). SCH2744.

<5> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 2/34-35 Curzon J B 1974 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.