Preston Cross
Preston Cross is a market cross in the Scottish town of Prestonpans in the East Lothian council area . In 1971 the building was included in the Scottish List of Monuments in the highest category A. It is also classified as a Scheduled Monument .
history
In 1617 the town was given the right to hold a weekly market and the annual St Jerome's Fair . The market cross, probably donated by members of the Preston line of the Hamilton clan , was erected a short time later. However, the exact year of construction has not been passed down. The vault in the base of the market cross may have been used as a prison in the past. The assumption correlates with the apparent abandonment of the dungeon in nearby Preston Tower around the time the cross was built. Today it is the only market cross from that period in Scotland that has not been moved in history.
description
The structure is located at the confluence of the East Loan and Preston Road in the south of Prestonpans. The round base of the yellow sandstone structure measures 4.3 m in diameter and is 3.7 m high. Pilasters divide the facade vertically into eight segments. In six of the segments there are niches that end with round arches . On the west side a wooden arched door leads into the inside of the base. A second door opening on the northeast side is rectangular and closed with a heavy lattice door. Elaborately twisted gargoyles emerge above. A parapet cantilevered over it, on which the pilasters of the base continue. An unadorned shaft protrudes from the base and closes with a capital . The sculpture of a rearing unicorn is installed on it.
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b c Listed Building - Entry . In: Historic Scotland .
- ↑ Scheduled Monument - Entry . In: Historic Scotland .
- ↑ Entry on Preston Cross in Canmore, the database of Historic Environment Scotland (English)
Web links
- Entry on Preston Cross in Canmore, Historic Environment Scotland database
Coordinates: 55 ° 57 ′ 20 " N , 2 ° 58 ′ 33.6" W.