Mediaeval Preaching Cross
A familiar feature in the centre of Gawsworth is the mediaeval cross located on the memorial green close to the parish war memorial. But what was it for?
About Preaching Crosses
A standing cross was a freestanding structure, usually made of stone, erected between 1000-1600. They served a variety of purposes including preaching, public proclamation, penance and defining rights of sanctuary. They were also installed to mark boundaries between properties, parishes or settlements and some were installed to commemorate battles, others linked to saints or used in markets to validate transactions. After the Reformation (c. 1517-1650) they became the focus of official proclamations and announcements. At one time there were more than 12,000 across England, now there are less than 2000.
The Gawsworth Cross
Historic England notes that our cross is an unusual structure as the top two steps are cut from solid stone. The two steps at the base are of well dressed stone and are worn severely on the east side.
Its function was as a preaching cross before the building of the parish church 750m to the SSE and the shift of the village centre to the area around the Hall. The cross survives well in spite of the loss of the head and the wear of the existing stones. It serves to remind us of the importance of the church in regulating the affairs of a small village and marks the older focus of the settlement.
