Whiteleaf Cross facts for kids
Whiteleaf Cross is a giant cross carved into a hillside in Buckinghamshire, England. It's made from white chalk, which makes it stand out. You can find it on Whiteleaf Hill, near a village called Whiteleaf. The village itself is named after the "white cliff" where the cross is located. This cliff is probably a natural part of the landscape, much older than the cross itself.
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What is Whiteleaf Cross?
Whiteleaf Cross is a very old and interesting landmark. It's a huge cross shape, carved right into the side of a hill. The cross has a special triangular base. It sits high up, looking over the road to the east of the small village of Whiteleaf. The white chalk used for the carving makes it easy to spot from a distance.
How Old is the Cross?
Nobody knows exactly when or why Whiteleaf Cross was made. It's a bit of a mystery! The first time anyone wrote about it was in 1742. A person named Francis Wise mentioned it as an "antiquity," meaning something very old. However, no one has found any older mentions of the cross. It doesn't appear in any descriptions of the area before the 1700s.
Protecting the Cross
In 1839, a special law was made to protect Whiteleaf Cross. This law said that the cross and the land around it must always stay open. It could not be planted over or fenced in. The person who owned the land, called the Lord of the Manor, became responsible for keeping the cross in good shape. They had to make sure it was repaired and renewed when needed. About 7 acres (2.8 hectares) of land were set aside just for this purpose.
Theories About Its Origin
Over the years, many people have guessed why Whiteleaf Cross was created. However, none of these ideas have strong proof. Some theories include:
- It was made by Saxons to celebrate winning a battle against the Danes.
- It was a sign pointing to a medieval monastery, but no monastery existed there.
- Soldiers during the English Civil War might have carved it for fun.
- It was a 17th-century version of a village cross.
These are all just ideas, and the true reason remains unknown!
Whiteleaf Cross in Art
The unique shape of Whiteleaf Cross has inspired artists. A famous artist named Paul Nash painted it several times. One of his paintings from 1922 is kept by the British Council. Another painting from 1931 can be seen at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.
Other Features on Whiteleaf Hill
Besides the cross, Whiteleaf Hill also has an ancient burial mound. This mound is called a neolithic barrow. It's located near the top of the cross. Even though they are close, experts believe the barrow and the cross are not connected. They were likely made at very different times.
A Protected Nature Reserve
Today, Whiteleaf Cross is part of the Whiteleaf Hill Nature Reserve. This reserve covers about 27 acres (11 hectares) of land. The county protects this area, making sure the cross and its surroundings are preserved for everyone to enjoy.
