Cowpers Cross
Landmark In Ilkley Moor, West Yorkshire
12th century cross, possibly a Christianised monolith.
As part of our jaunt to Ilkley Moor in September 2025, we spotted this cross on a map and had to visit. As is our way, we walked 4km across the moor from the Cow and Calf before we got to it, however, we realised there is parking much closer to it on Keighley Road to make your life easier.
It is a sturdy looking cross and would have to be to survive the extremes of weather up here. Like a number of monuments on the moor it's original purpose is unclear and it may have either been an obelisk to mark out a route, a boundary stone or used as a meeting place - perhaps for holding markets.
It is originally thought to date back to the 12th century, however, only the base is original now. It has had some bad fortune over the years and the stone was struck by lightning and split in two at some point. The upright shaft was replaced with a re-worked gatepost in the 19th century, and in more recent years it was vandalised and four cup and ring marks destroyed, so the cross is unfortunately a bit of a 'Trigger's Broom'.
There is an article online from the Ilkley Gazette in 2007 which talks about the damage to the cross:
Ilkley Gazette
The barely visible inscription on the base of the cross reads 'ILB IM 1803'. ILB refers to the local authority Ilkley Local Board; IM to Ilkley Moor and 1803 which was the likely restoration date of the cross. There are no other clues as to any other restoration dates and it is unclear as to the origin of the name 'Cowper', however, it may have come from a local Christian family who lived in the area.
This is another interesting piece of history on the moor and not too far from the fantastic Badger Stone, which is covered in intricate cup and ring marks. Keep an eye out for more from Ilkley Moor soon.
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How To Find Cowper's Cross
Where To Park For Cowper's Cross?
Lat / Long
53.903986, -1.847047
What three words
There is space for a few cars on Keighley Road. The cross is a short 0.3km walk from the parking space.
Contributed by Sandra Clemens
I love the great outdoors and have been a National Trust & English Heritage member for years. I also love going off the beaten track and finding places like Sharp's Folly or Rothley Castle which are hidden gems in Northumberland. My favourite recent hike was climbing Red Screes in the Lake District on a whim, not fully grasping how high 776m was. It was still an achievement to conquer a Wainwright walk and I hope to do more one day.
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Join Our Facebook GroupCowper's Cross was listed in Landmark // West Yorkshire // Ilkley Moor