Sandbach Crosses
Sandbach, Cheshire
These are two Saxon crosses, sandstone
obelisks, elaborately carved with animals and Biblical scenes including the
Nativity of Christ and the Crucifixion, and they dominate the cobbled market
square of Sandbach. They are thought to date from the 8th or 9th century, and
originally painted as well as carved, they are among the finest surviving
examples of Anglo-Saxon high crosses. Some say as a monument to the introduction
of Christianity into the area - but nobody really knows why they were created or
even erected here. They are heavily carved and show religious scenes, doll-like
heads and beasts in panels, together with vine-scrolls, interlaced patterns and
some dragons.
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During the 7th Century Sandbach is believed to
have been the pagan kingdom of Mercia. Legends suggest that King Penda of Mercia
arranged the marriage of his son Paeda to Princess Alchfleda (daughter of Oswy
the King of Northumbria). Puritan Iconoclasts broke up the crosses in the 17th
century and the stones were scattered over a large area. They were eventually
recovered and re-erected on their original site in 1816 and the square where
they sit was also cobbled at this time. The crosses are two upright columns set in
sockets on a base of three stepped stones. The northern cross is the taller and
has a mutilated head. It has carvings of scenes from the Bible showing John the
Baptist, the Birth of Jesus, his trial and crucifixion, the Ascension, the
ascent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles. |
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| The southern cross is
truncated and has a mutilated head from a different cross, and shows
scenes of events leading up and including Paeda's conversion and eventual marriage to Alchfleda. They
have always been a pair and were carved by the same hand. |
| It is a little confusing when you arrive at
Sandbach as these crosses are in the Market Square of the town and from most of
roads going through the town they are not visible, however when you approach the
town from the M6 J17 following the signs into town centre (Congleton Road) two
crosses appear in front of you inside a fenced garden area. These two crosses
are in fact a modern sculpture based on the originals that were created October 2006 and are
carved in old English Oak using the ancient crosses as a theme. Behind them is a
free car park and if you park in here you can then walk through a pedestrian
area to Market Square and see the original Saxon ones. Sandbach is a pretty little town with other
attractions worth photographing like:
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The
church (although this can be a challenge because of the trees)
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Town
Pump - an old hand powered water pump
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The Old
Hall a half timbered building (now a hotel)
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The
Lower Chequer said to be the oldest building in town dating from around 1570, it
has a mounting block at the side which enabled travellers to mount and alight
from coach and horses
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The
Fountain in the centre island of the roundabout erected in 1890
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and
some other interesting architecture and more around the town
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Well worth a stop off on a longer journey.
Click on the
smaller images to see larger versions
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Planning Grid
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Location: |
Sandbach Crosses, Sandbach, Cheshire |
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Grid Reference: |
SJ759608 |
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Getting there: |
From M6 J71 take the A534 towards Crewe take
the first right, Congleton Road which is signposted to town centre. Follow
this round until you see the replica town crosses in front of you. Park in
the car park behind. |
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Access: |
Market Square - a preserved cobbled area in
the centre of town off High Street. |
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Parking: |
Car Park in The Commons (triangle) then walk
through the pedestrian shopping area opposite and the Saxon crosses are in
front of you. |
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Facilities: |
None specific but the town has shops, eating
places etc |
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Things To Do,
See and Photograph: |
Crosses, a number of interesting buildings,
the church which has an unusual outside walk through bell tower, is
difficult to photograph as it is surrounded by trees from all sides. |
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What to take: |
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Nature highlights: |
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Address: |
Market Square
Sandbach
Cheshire |
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Postcode: |
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Telephone: |
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Opening times: |
Any reasonable time |
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Charges: |
Free |
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Photo Restrictions: |
No restrictions, however watch for the
position of the sun as at some times of the day they will be in heavy
shadow. |
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Other Restrictions: |
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Special Needs Access: |
Wheelchair use over the cobbles would be
difficult, but you can get a view from the roadside path. |
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Special Needs Facilities: |
None specific at crosses |
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Children Facilities: |
None specific at crosses |
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Dogs Allowed: |
No dogs allowed |
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CIN Page Ref: |
sandbach_cross |
Date Updated: 08/2008 |
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