This is the first in a new series of events to highlight some of the market crosses that can be found within Derbyshire, with this one taking us to a relatively recent example in Melbourne.
Market Crosses date from as early as the 7th Century & examples can still be found in over 200 towns & villages within Britain. They were used to simply denote a place where a market or fair would be held. But this required a charter to have been granted, normally by a monarch, bishop or baron. Originally simple structures often made from wood, these developed into a variety of designs including stone obelisks or spires as well as intricately carved crosses. Sometimes large & elaborate covered structures were built. Unfortunately, many have not survived & some remain only partially intact. In several places the remains of the market cross can be found in the local churchyard.
Melbourne market cross was erected as recently as 1889 by public subscription to celebrate the Diamond Jubillee of Queen Victoria. It has a central sandstone pillar with an octagonal spire mounted above. At the top of this is a lamp within ironwork. In 1953 the surrounding shelter was added using ashlar & timber with a tiled roof, supported by eight wooden posts. Around the base of the central pillar is wooden benched seating. It was restored in 1977 & designated a Grade II Listed Building in 1987.
This short event will give us an opportunity to meet up safely outside for some geochat & to swap trackables in hopefully peaceful & beautiful surroundings. I have provided a waypoint for free parking in the Church Street Car Park or you can use a bus to reach Melbourne; the #2 Bus from Derby stops right beside the Market Place.. I have also added a couple of unusual attributes that hopefully won't be required! There is a good range of caches in the area, if you haven't found them already. There may even be a new cache published for the occasion...