Ancrum, Market Cross

Market Cross, Ancrum.

This cross (RCAHMS 1956, fig.530), which dates, like the one at Bowden (NT53SE 40), from the late 16th century, stands intact but for its cross-head on the village green at Ancrum, a little to the NW of its original position. The shaft, measuring 8ft 1in in length, has chamfered angles received at the foot on floriated stops. It is set in a socket stone, about 3ft square and 1ft 10 1/2in high, which has a boldly carved foliaceous enrichment at each corner. A sundial or similar object has been attached at a later time to the cross-shaft, but has now been removed.

The manor of Ancrum pertained to the bishop of Glasgow from before the time of David I. It was erected into a barony and free regality, of which in 1490 Bishop Robert Blacader received a charter of confirmation from James IV. (Register of Glasgow, 466). In 1610 the town of Ancrum belong to James Law, Archbishop of Glasgow. (Laing Charters, no. 1596).

RCAHMS 1956, visited 22 March 1933.

NT62SW 11 62826 24574

(NT 62826 24574) Cross (NAT).

OS 6" map, Roxburghshire, (1923).

As described by the RCAHMS.

Visited by OS (WDJ) 23 January 1967.

This cross, like the remnants of that of Bowden (NT 554305), dates from the late 16th century. It is complete other than for its cross-head and stands on the triangular village green, close to its original position. The shaft is about 3.5 m high, set in a socketstone about a metre square which is boldly decorated with leaf-like carving.

The manor of Ancrum belonged to the Bishop of Glasgow from before the time of David I, and Bishop Robert 'Blacader' received a charter from James IV in 1490 confirming its status as a barony. Most of the houses around the green are 19th century or later, though a few two-storeyed late 18th century examples survive at Causewayend. At least one was originally thatched.

The 'old' Ancrum bridge (NT 638237) is probably that standing in 1794-two arches, with a third to carry floodwater along the flat left bank. The cutwaters between the arches are carned upwards to provide refuges for pedestrians.

Just south of the ruins of the old parish church (NT 621248), a hogbacked tombstone was found (see section 7); and just across the A 68 rises Peniel Heugh (NT 653263) with a good sequence of hill forts spanning the early iron-age to sub-Roman period (see section 8). The hill, a fine vantage point, is crowned with a tower commemorating the battle of Waterloo (1815).

Information from 'Exploring Scotland's Heritage: Lothian and Borders), (1985).

Visibility: Upstanding structure, which may not be intact.

Information from Scottish Borders Council.