by Lottie Hayton.

The Stalbridge medieval market cross is one of the
most complete of its age still standing in Dorset.
Market crosses were often used to indicate where the right
to hold a regular market or fair had been granted, although the Stalbridge cross has more colourful origins according to local legend…

Stalbridge Market Cross, 2010 (Stalbridge Archive, courtesy Stalbridge Town Council)

In 1309, it is said a Knight of Malta, Galfridius de Mervin, was seriously wounded and had a vision of Saint John who presented him with some healing ointment, in return for which he was instructed to erect a pillar on his return home. Later, via his sister, Elfrida, who married into the Audley family of Stalbridge, the cross came to stand where it is today.
The religious imagery on the cross, including the front panel which appears depict the resurrection with Christ rising from his tomb, may support this and the date fits with the 1286 and 1335 charters granting Stalbridge the right to hold markets and fairs.
Some sources, however, have dismissed the tale, dating the cross to later in the 14th, or even the late 15th century.
Either way, the cross has remained a consistent part of the town’s landscape for far longer than many, if not all of the surrounding buildings.

Stalbridge Market Cross (John Hutchins’ History of Dorset, first edition, 1777 courtesy Rachel Hassall, Sherborne School)

One notable series of events witnessed by the monument was the development of John Wesley’s Methodist theology in the 18th century. With a doctrine focusing on sanctification and the transforming effect of faith on the character of a Christian, preaching and evangelism were key to the movement. Wesley himself is said to have preached at the foot of the cross.
Sources also record that the cross was witness to the ostracisation and persecution Methodists faced at the hands of communities who disagreed with the movement; a persecution which some say was instrumental in its growth, as later Methodists were able to point to such ordeals as evidence of martyrdom.

Stalbridge Market Cross (John Hutchins’ History of Dorset, first edition, 1777 courtesy Rachel Hassall, Sherborne School)

An extract from Wesley’s journal in 1766 reports one such incident: “We rode to Stalbridge, long the seat of war by a senseless, insolent mob…they broke [Methodist’s] windows, leaving not one whole pane of glass, spoiled their goods, and assaulted their persons with dirt, and rotten eggs, and stones, whenever they appeared in the street.”
In Wesley’s day, the cross, standing then at 30 feet, would have been far more intact. Featured alongside the resurrection scenes were images of the crucifixion, a fixed cross, several coats of arms, and three flights of steps at the base. Images from John Hutchins’ History of Dorset shows the cross in its glory days.
In 1918, Lord Stalbridge decided to sell the Stalbridge Estate at auction. Noting, however, the cross’s importance to the town he sold it to the Parish Council for one shilling.
Further testament to the cross’s ongoing importance to Stalbridge’s history are images showing the cross at the centre of VE day celebrations in the town.

VE Day 1945 (Stalbridge Archive, courtesy Stalbridge Town Council)

Sadly, during a gale in the winter of 1949-50, the top section of the cross was blown off leaving it almost ruined.
By the mid 1950s, however, the council had replaced the top with a slightly shorter modern version.
In October 1960, a Grade II listing protected the cross and a light restoration and clean in 2018 on the centenary of its purchase ensured future generations will be able to enjoy this monument to the history of Stalbridge.
Thank you to Stalbridge Archive Society for their help in sourcing these images and research. For those keen to share and receive information about the history of Stalbridge, a group of volunteer archivists meet at The Hub on Wednesday mornings. More information can be found online www.stalbridgearchive.co.uk

Stalbridge Market Cross with its new top, 1950 early 1960s (Stalbridge Archive, courtesy Stalbridge Town Council)