Bewell's Cross facts for kids
Bewell's Cross was a special stone marker that no longer exists. It helped show the edge of the county of Bristol when Bristol became a county in 1373.
This cross stood near a place called Gallows Field. This area was at the top of St Michael's Hill. This hill was once the main road from Bristol to Wales. Travelers would use a ferry across the Severn at Aust to get there.
Bewell's Cross was taken down sometime before the 1800s. Today, a stone believed to be from its base is part of the wall at Cotham Church. You can see a plaque there that points it out.
Contents
What's in a Name?
Where the Name Bewell Came From
The name "Bewell's Cross" likely came from a nearby spring. A spring is a natural place where water flows out of the ground. The name of this spring seems to come from Old English words meaning 'bee well'. This suggests it was a place where bees gathered for water.
Another Idea for the Name
There is another idea about the name. Around the year 1270, a person from Bristol named Elias or Elys had the last name Beowolf. Some people think the cross might have been named after him. It's possible Beowolf was a playful change of the spring's name.
Not to Be Confused
Bewell's Cross might have been mixed up with another cross. This other cross is called Bewys Cross. It is located in Kingsweston, which is also part of Bristol today.
