More information : [SD 77171819] Stone on Site of Whowell Cross or Pilgrims
Cross [GT] (1)
Pilgrim's Cross, (Grid 7718/175195), the base of which remained
until August, 1901...is mentioned as a landmark in 1176 in the
charter of Roger Montbegon in favour of the priory of Monk Bretton
(a). (2)
At a meeting of the Society, Nov. 8th, 1901, Mr. W. Harrison
reported the destruction of the Pilgrim's Cross, on Holcombe
Moor. "The stone was seen intact by the Rev. H. Dowsett, rector of
Holcombe, on the 3rd August [1901.] but a few days later it had
utterly disappeared. Later on the fragments were found in a wet
bog-hole not far away. The stone weighed perhaps a ton, and
showed a cavity squared for the cross, which had long previously
disappeared...In very early documents allusions are made to this
cross. Pilgrim crosse-slack, in the forest of Tottington is
mentioned in a charter dated from Ightenhill in 22 Henry II,
A.D.1176, and Pilgrim cross shaw is referred to in the charter
of 1225 by which Roger de Montbegon granted land hard by to Monk
Bretton Priory"
A memorial stone marking the site was set up on the 28th June,
1902. It is five feet high, standing on a base stone four and a
half feet square, and has an inscription on each of its four
sides. (3)
The stone marking the site of the Pilgrims Cross is 0.9m square
by 1.5m high and stands on a base measuring 1.4m square by 0.6m
high. The inscription on its four sides is as follows. (West face)
"On this site stood the ancient Pilgrims Cross. It was existing
in A.D.1176 and probably much earlier. Pilgrims to Whalley Abbey
prayed and rested here.
(South face) Nothing is known of the removal of the ancient cross
but its massive socketted foundation stone remained here until
August 1901.
(East face) This memorial stone was placed here May 24th 1902 by
the copyholders of the manor and others.
(North face) In A.D.1176 and in A.D.1225 the Pilgrims Cross is
named in Charters of gifts of land in Holcombe Forest. In A.D.1662
King Charles II gave this manor to General Monk Duke of Albemarle
through whom it has descended to the present lord of the manor.
This modern stone is in good condition, and is correctly shown on
the 25" A.M. GP.AO/59/298/1 - Inscribed stone from S.E. (4) |