Summary
Standing cross of medieval date; restored c1869.
Reasons for Designation
The medieval standing cross in the churchyard of St John the Baptist Church is listed at Grade II* for the following principal reasons:
*Architectural interest: although it is missing its head and has suffered weathering, the cross displays careful detailing in its figurative carvings;
*Historic interest: since it is considered to be in its original position, it illustrates well how some crosses served as foci for religious practices within churchyards in the medieval period;
* Group value: it forms a group with the Church of St John the Baptist, the Spurway Memorial and Manor Farmhouse, which are all Grade II listed.
History
Standing crosses, usually of stone, are free-standing upright structures that were mostly erected during the medieval period. They varied considerably in elaboration, and stood in a variety of locations, to serve a range of functions. Those in churchyards acted as stations for outdoor processions, particularly during Palm Sunday ceremonies. The great majority of standing crosses that survive lost their cross-heads to religious extremists during the C16 and C17. The standing cross in St John the Baptist’s churchyard was erected during the medieval period, and is considered to date from either the C13, when the church was originally built, or the C15. The shaft has a relief carving of a male figure which is considered to possibly be either a Prior of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, former patrons of the church, or a representation of St John the Baptist. The cross was restored in the mid-C19, probably by Devon architect Edward Ashworth, who carried out a major restoration of the church at that time.
Details
Standing cross of medieval date; restored c1869.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
271023
Legacy System:
LBS
Sources
Books and journals Websites http://www.deanevalechurches.org/the-church-of-john-the-baptist-history.html
Legal
This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.
The listed building(s) is/are shown coloured blue on the attached map. Pursuant to s.1 (5A) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (‘the Act’), structures attached to or within the curtilage of the listed building (save those coloured blue on the map) are not to be treated as part of the listed building for the purposes of the Act.
End of official list entry
