Houston, South Street, Mercat Cross

NS46NW 12 40534 66924

(NS 4053 6692) Cross (NR)

OS 6" map (1970)

Location formerly entered as NS 4053 6692.

Houston market cross comprises a simple square shaft on a base of three steps, and with a square head-piece, dated 1713, which has sun-dials on each of its faces, and a ball finial on top (SDD List 1963). It stands 12.0ft high, and though the shaft is comparatively modern, it is believed that the well-worn steps forming the plinth date from the 14th century (TSA 1962). It formerly stood near the church and was moved to its present position when the new town was built.

(See also NS46NW 19).

Name Book 1856; D MacGibbon and T Ross 1892.

This cross is as described.

Visited by OS (EGC), 7 July 1964

The market cross stands at the N side of South Street about 30m E of its junction with Main Street. It consists of two steps and a plinth, a s haft, a square-headed sundial and a wall finial. Its total height is 3.66m. The corners of the shaft are wrought with stopped chamfers and the sundial bears the date 1713.

Visited by RCAHMS, March 1984.

Cross [NAT]

OS (GIS) MasterMap, August 2010.