Chester High Cross facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chester High Cross |
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Chester High Cross standing at the junction of streets known as Chester Cross
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| Location | Chester Cross, Chester, Cheshire, England |
| OS grid reference | SJ 405 662 |
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Listed Building – Grade II
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| Official name: Chester High Cross | |
| Designated | 28 July 1955 |
| Reference no. | 1376246 |
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The Chester High Cross is an old stone cross located in the city of Chester, Cheshire, England. It stands right in front of St Peter's Church. This spot is where three main streets meet: Watergate Street, Eastgate Street, and Bridge Street. This important meeting point is known as Chester Cross. The cross is officially recognized as a Grade II listed building, which means it's a special historical structure.
A Look Back: The History of the Cross
The very first cross at this spot was built way back in the 14th century. Imagine, that's over 600 years ago! This original cross was later replaced by a new one in 1476.
The 1476 cross was quite grand. It had an eight-sided pillar with a carved head and a crucifix on top. In 1603, it was even gilded, meaning it was covered in a thin layer of gold to make it shine.
However, the cross faced a tough time during the English Civil War in 1646. Soldiers, known as Parliamentarians, damaged and broke it apart. Luckily, the carved head was saved and kept safe by a local person.
Many years later, in the 19th century, the head and other pieces were found again. These old parts were used to help restore the cross. It was put back together and set up near the Newgate in 1949. Then, in 1975, the cross was moved to its current location, which is very close to where it originally stood.
What the Cross Looks Like
The Chester High Cross is made from red sandstone. It has a special design, with a crown shape at the top. On top of the crown is a finial, which is like a decorative top piece, with a ball on it.
The cross stands on a tall shaft, which is the main pillar. Below the shaft is a plinth, a heavy base, and three steps leading up to it. The carved head at the very top is six-sided. The shaft, steps, and plinth are all eight-sided.
Some parts of the cross are very old. The carved head, and possibly the shaped base of the shaft, are from the original 14th-century cross. The rest of the structure you see today is newer, added during its restoration. The old head is quite worn down from centuries of weather. It used to have niches, which are small alcoves, where statues once stood, but two of these have worn away over time.
The Cross Today
Today, the Chester High Cross is a very important landmark in the heart of Chester. It's a popular meeting spot for both locals and visitors. If you visit during the summer, you might even see Chester's official town crier! Every day at midday, the town crier stands on the steps of the cross and makes a loud proclamation, sharing news and announcements with everyone around. It's a fun tradition that connects the city's past with its present.
