This is the fourth in a series of events to highlight some of the market crosses that can be found within Derbyshire, with this one taking us to the former mining village of Bonsall.
Market Crosses date from as early as the 7th Century & examples can still be found in over 200 towns & villages within Britain. They were used to simply denote a place where a market or fair would be held. But this required a charter to have been granted, normally by a monarch, bishop or baron. Originally simple structures often made from wood, these developed into a variety of designs including stone obelisks or spires as well as intricately carved crosses. Sometimes large & elaborate covered structures were built. Unfortunately, many have not survived & some remain only partially intact. In several places the remains of the market cross can be found in the local churchyard.
Bonsall Market Cross is one of the most impressive examples in the county. It is believed that the shaft is Medieval, dating from the late 14th or early 15th century (restored in 1870) whilst the ball-head was added in 1671 & is carved with faces. It is positioned in the middle of a junction on a circular base which consists of 13 steps. But interestingly, Bonsall has never hosted a market. The village applied for a charter around 1670. However, this was refused but the market cross was built anyway; maybe in hope, maybe in defiance! It became a Grade II Listed Building in 1950.
This short event will give us an opportunity to meet up safely outside for some geochat & to swap trackables in hopefully peaceful & beautiful surroundings. I haven't provided any specific parking waypoints - you will just have to try to find some street parking on the day, so it would probably be a good idea to lift-share if you can. There is a smattering of caches in the area, with more a little further afield. There may even be a new cache published for the occasion...