This is the fifth 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 market town of Ashbourne.
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.
Ashbourne was granted a market charter in 1257 so it is safe to assume that there was some sort of market cross erected around that time, probably made of wood. A plan of Ashbourne from 1547 sites the cross towards the northern end of the market place so it appears to have moved over the years. The current cross is more of a memorial to Francis Wright who was a generous local businessman who established several schools & churches in the surrounding area. It was paid for by public subscription & erected in 1874. Interestingly, the paved surface of the market place is actually a listed building!
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 - there are several pay & display car parks in the town or you might be lucky enough to find some street parking. There are several caches in the town, with more a little further afield. There may even be a new cache published for the occasion...