This is the ninth in a series of events to highlight some of the market crosses that can be found within Derbyshire, with this one taking us to the small village of Higham.
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.
Higham used to be positioned on the main route between Derby & Chesterfield & so was ideally suited for a market. A charter was granted by Sir John de Grey in 1243, making it one of the earliest in the county & the market was held on Thursdays for over 500 years. The charter also allowed for an annual fair to be held for three days, centred around August 1st. The decline of the market in the 18th Century was due to competition from nearby Alfreton. The market cross was moved slightly to its current position in Georgian times & the shaft restored in 1856. It now stands on a plinth of six sandstone steps & has a Greek style cross. It became a Grade II Listed Building in 1967 & is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
This short event will give us an opportunity to meet up safely outside for some geochat & to swap trackables in hopefully peaceful & beautiful surroundings. Parking in Higham is limited to a few on street places along Main Road, so please try to lift share where possible. You can also catch The Comet bus to Higham from Derby or Chesterfield. There are a few caches in & around the village if you haven't found them previously. There may even be a new cache published for the occasion...