Market Town Crosses
Before the 19th century , the majority of people in the United Kingdom made their living through agriculture and livestock farming.
Farmers and their wives brought their produce to informal markets held on the grounds of their local churches after worship. Subsequently, market towns grew up at centres of local activity and were an important feature of rural life.
Often the townspeople erected a market cross in the centre of the town, to obtain God's blessing on the trade. The cross was also a reminder "not to defraud by cheapening"… a warning to townsfolk not to haggle the traders so low as to discourage their returning.
Photos of two substantial Market Town Crosses are shown here.
Farmers and their wives brought their produce to informal markets held on the grounds of their local churches after worship. Subsequently, market towns grew up at centres of local activity and were an important feature of rural life.
Often the townspeople erected a market cross in the centre of the town, to obtain God's blessing on the trade. The cross was also a reminder "not to defraud by cheapening"… a warning to townsfolk not to haggle the traders so low as to discourage their returning.
Photos of two substantial Market Town Crosses are shown here.
The market cross at Peebles, Scotland. (14/7)
Peebles was an old market town, and later a centre for woollen mills. It has developed into a dormitory town for many commuters working in Edinburgh
Peebles was an old market town, and later a centre for woollen mills. It has developed into a dormitory town for many commuters working in Edinburgh
Banbury Cross, Banbury, England. (18/4) The town had several street crosses until they were destroyed by Puritans in 1600.
Banbury remained without a cross until the present one was erected in1859.
Banbury remained without a cross until the present one was erected in1859.