Brough Old Market Cross

Market crosses have been used for centuries and probably replaced standing stones or preaching crosses, which were used to mark gatherings and open-air worship in communities before churches existed. Market crosses marked the location of a town's market square and signified the towns importance as a centre for trade. It was thought that the cross shape would prevent dishonesty and remind people of God's presence. The cross was also a meeting place and town criers would pass on civic notices and official news - a bit like social media these days. The market square was also used for public shaming and punishment - again like our modern day social media.

As life changed over the years, crosses were replaced with buildings such as market halls, however, a cross or spire still existed on the roof of these buildings. The rise of market halls and shops rendered market crosses obsolete by the end of the 18th century but many of them still survive today. There are some seriously fancy examples around the UK and after a quick online search I found some impressive ones in Saffron Walden, Chichester and Malmesbury if you wanted to look into the subject of market crosses a bit more!