Monument record MWX843 - Medieval cross base incorporating a modern cross, Studland

The remains of a cross base incorporated onto the base of a new cross made and erected in 1976. The modern cross is heavily ornamented in various styles, including neo-Saxon, and carries a runic inscription on the south side and also the inscription "Spaceship Earth 1976". The cross occupies a rectangular mound at the junction of four lanes.

(SZ 03648238) Cross (NR) (Remains of) <2>

At the ross roads at the entrance to the village (Studland), may be seen the socket or pedestal of an ancient village cross. Little is known of this cross, and no mention of it is made in either of the County Histories. <1>

The date is extremely difficult to determine.

A circular sandstone ?cross base with a diameter of 4ft 3ins and with a central sunken square of sides 2ft 1ins and 2ins deep; central to which is a circular socket hole 1ft in diameter and 1ft deep. The width of the base which tilts towards the east and leaves Western quadrant 4inches above ground level is 1ft 7ins.

The stone bears no severe signs of weathering and is in an excellent state of preservation. (See illust). <3>

This ?cross base has been incorporated onto the base of a new cross made and erected in 1976. The modern cross is heavily ornamented in various styles, including neo-Saxon, and carries inter alia a Runic inscription on the S. side and also the inscription #Spaceship Earth 1976". The cross occupies a rectangular mound at the junction of four lanes. It is 27m OD. <4>

<1> Pope, A, 1906, Old Stone Crosses of Dorset, 123-4 (Bibliographic reference). SWX1408.

<2> Ordnance Survey, Various, Ordnance Survey Map 6in. Prov. Ed, 1927-38 edition OS map (Map). SWX2257.

<3> Rigg, J, Field Investigators Comments JR, F1 JR 01-SEP-52 (Unpublished document). SWX1255.

<4> Wardale, C F, Various, Field Investigators Comments CFW, F2 CFW 10-SEP-85 (Unpublished document). SWX2704.

<5> Historic England, Historic England Archive, OS52/F62/5 (Index). SDO14738.

Object Title: CROSS BASE FROM EAST.

<6> National Record of the Historic Environment, 457601 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Aug 23 2024 3:11PM