Corbridge Market Cross

Most villages tend to have a single market cross, but Corbridge is unusual in that it actually has two. There is an older, stone cross and also a more modern replacement that stands in the Market Place itself. The older cross is a Grade II* listed structure while the newer cross is Grade II listed.

The Old Market Cross is thought to date from the 13th century, is made of sandstone and consists of a square base, a cylindrical shaft, and a cross head which is decorated with fleurs-de-lis. The base is thought to be a Roman altar, while the shaft and cross head are thought to be medieval. The cross was originally located in the Market Place in Corbridge, but it was removed in 1807 after it was damaged in a storm. It had stood in the Market Place for 600 years before it was removed and it wasn't until 1975 that it was restored and placed in its present site by the entrance to the Peel Tower Pub by St Andrew's Churchyard.

The Market Cross that currently stands in the Market Place is a more recent structure, dating from 1814. It is made of cast iron and consists of a circular stone base, four steps high, a square cast iron base, quatrefoil shaft and cross head. It was erected by Hugh Percy, the Duke of Northumberland. All four sides of the square cast iron base are decorated with a lion, a lion on a crown and the Percy Crescent on the third side. The final side bears the inscription "HUGH PERCY DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND ANNO MDCCCXIIII".

Both of the Corbridge Market Crosses are important historical and cultural landmarks and would have been used to mark a gathering place for either markets or even protest and public meetings. They are both very handy for the shops and bars of Corbridge so you can do some shopping and stop for a quick drink when you visit!