This is the eleventh 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 village of Crich. It follows hot on the heels of October's event so as to avoid Remembrance Sunday.
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.
Crich once held a weekly market on Fridays as well as sheep & cattle fairs twice a year in April & October in the original market place, which was near to the church. However, as the village expanded southwards, the centre of the village, along with the market place, was relocated to its current position. Crich Market Cross is only just over 150 years old, having been erected in 1871. However, there is a description from 1857 by a local poet, Ann Perry, which details "an old blackened wooden cross". This cross was described as being "ancient" then & some reports state that some original materials were used in the reconstruction. This would suggest that the three stone steps, which are worn, may well be medieval. The shaft & celtic cross are certainly more recent.
This short event will give us an opportunity to meet up safely outside for some geochat & to swap trackables in hopefully peaceful & beautiful surroundings. With the cross itself in the middle of a road junction, we will probably gather on the pavement beside the road! The best parking in Crich is in the Market Place, which ironically is about 300m south of the cross! Parking there is limited, so arrive early. There are a few caches in & around the village if you haven't found them previously, including some fiendish puzzles. There may even be a new cache published for the occasion...