Great Cross in Cheapside

A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.

In West Cheap in the parish of St. Peter West Cheap, in the ward of Farringdon Within, opposite the southern end of Wood Street (S. 268-9, 316).


Erected by Edward I. in memory of his Queen Eleanor in 1296.

First mention: Rents in Chepe by the New Cross, 1322 (Ct. H.W. I. 297).

New built 1441, finished 1486. Gilded 1522, 1553, 1554.

Seems to be called the "Stone Cross" in 1349 (Ct. H.W. I. 587) ; "High Cross" in 1379 (Cat. L. Bk. H. p. 131).

It was a place of importance in early times, stations round it were leased to different people and false wares, etc., were publicly burnt at the Cross (Cal. L. Bk. E. p. 223 and H. 131). It was a notable ornament to the street.

Defaced 1581 and taken down 1599. Restored 1600. Threatened 1641-2. Finally removed 1643.

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