Warburton Cross Traditional Cache
Royal Oak: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.
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Royal Oak
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Nice easy cache at an Historical Monument Enough Space for Trackables and Swaps
THE CROSS The ancient cross of Warburton village, the base of which is still in situ, was, according to Newton, destroyed during the Civil War by the Puritans "as of dangerous consequences and inconsistent with our purified religion". Little or no material evidence of its design exists. Its origin and intent is speculative and could well be among the many and various forms erected in ancient days for equally as many purposes. From the days of Constantine (A.D. 312), when the cross began to be set up in public places and on buildings, the design and significance has become most varied, although all bore a common origin in Christianity. There were, for example, the preaching crosses which were generally erected in the centre of a community or town and used (as the name indicates) as a gathering symbol for the propagation of Christianity; the memorial cross which, in all ages of the Christian era, has been a means of expressing regret for the dead; the sanctuary or boundary cross marked off church lands and showed the people on their way to church where to kneel when they were entering sacred ground; roadside and crossroad crosses also indicated a sanctified resting place for funerals, or the site of a holy well. Preaching crosses, in many instances, also took on the role of the market cross to the town or village which had been granted a Charter for the purpose of holding a trading fair, but since Warburton did not hold such a permit, the use of its cross could not come within this category. But the village cross did in fact graduate throughout the years into the focal point for meetings and the local trade of merchants and farmers. This would be particularly so in time of Plague. The exchange of money was made by placing on the steps of the cross a basin or bowl containing vinegar or water, into which the money was thrown. This may well have taken place in Warburton when the neighbouring town of Lymm was attacked by Plague in August, 1652, and again in March, 1653, when 175 persons perished. THE STOCKS Warburton stocks are of great antiquity, although the timbers were supplied (1900) at the time of reconstruction. The stone was quarried either at Lymm or the quarry behind Oughtrington Hall, which also provided the stone for the rebuilding of Lymm Church. On the South post of the stocks are "scars" which indicate that hand clasps were once fitted and used for whipping purposes. When stocks were first introduced as a method of corrective punishment, is not clearly known. In 1376 the Commons pleaded Edward III for their establishment in every village. Frequently, one of the posts was also used as a whipping or "Rogues" post, which came into vogue about 1596. Prior to this, it was customary to use a cart tail. Stocks were discontinued as official punishment in the early 19th century. This is a quick find but I hope you will find The Cross and Stocks of interest. Above Source - Is from Jamange's previous cache in this location
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