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Latitude: 52.4379 / 52°26'16"N
Longitude: -0.6856 / 0°41'8"W
OS Eastings: 489446
OS Northings: 283024
OS Grid: SP894830
Mapcode National: GBR DWW.1H1
Mapcode Global: VHFNL.2ZDH
Plus Code: 9C4XC8Q7+5P
Entry Name: Queen Eleanor's Cross
Listing Date: 25 February 1957
Grade: I
Source: Historic England
Source ID: 1286992
English Heritage Legacy ID: 231030
Also known as: Eleanor cross, Geddington
ID on this website: 101286992
Location: Geddington, North Northamptonshire, NN14
County: North Northamptonshire
Civil Parish: Geddington
Built-Up Area: Geddington
Traditional County: Northamptonshire
Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Northamptonshire
Church of England Parish: Geddington St Mary Magdalene
Church of England Diocese: Peterborough
Tagged with: Eleanor cross
GEDDINGTON
SP8883 Queen Eleanor's Cross
1337-0/12/297
25/02/57
GV I
Monumental cross. Shortly after 1290. Discreetly restored
1892. Weldon limestone ashlar. Triangular in plan, with a
tall, subtly moulded basement divided by a string, with
diapering throughout and shields, carved with the arms of
England, Leon and Castile, and Ponthieu, to the upper part.
The middle section is made up of canopied niches, containing 3
figures of Queen Eleanor. Spikily pinnacled upper part. The
cross which doubtless originally crowned the whole is missing.
The monument is raised on T hexagonal stone steps, with some
blue brick repair. To south is a low block, "built 1789" (on
shield), topped by a single massive slab and containing 2
round-headed entrances (with studded round-headed doors)
leading to the spring over which the cross is built. A metal
plate records that "This monument is in the care of the
Ministry of Public Building and Works". It is the best
preserved of the 3 survivors (the others are at Hardingstone
and Waltham) of 12 crosses erected by Edward I in memory of
his wife, Eleanor of Castile, at the resting places of her
funeral cortege during its journey from Lincoln to Westminster
Abbey after her death in 1290. (At Geddington this was
probably the royal hunting lodge which formerly existed
north-east of the church) With its subtle geometry, rich
decoration and elegant sculpture, this monument is an
outstanding example of the court style of Edward I and
represents a high point in English Decorated architecture.
Scheduled ancient monument.
Listing NGR: SP8944683024
External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.
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