Description

Mercat cross in prominent position with probable 14th century stepped plinth and dated 1713 headpiece. Square-plan chamfered shaft with square headpiece with sundial markings and gnomons on each face; ball finial. Surmounted on 3-stepped base.

Statement of Interest

An important part of the history of Houston, the mercat cross is situated in a prominent position in the main street and adds significantly to the streetscape of the town.

Originally situated at Kirk Road, near the church to the East of the present village, the cross was moved to its present position when the new planned town of Houston was built after 1781.

Mercat crosses were important structures in many Scottish towns as they were focal ponts for trading and public announcements. Many were also the place where punishments were meted out. Sundials at the top of a single shaft, as here, was a common form.

List description updated 2010.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17837750

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.

Recommended Books

• 
  Period Property Manual (New Ed)
• 
  Northamptonshire: Buildings of England Series (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Essex: Buildings of England Series (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
• 
  Department for Communities Listed Historic Buildings of Northern Ireland: Information Guide for the 2nd Survey of Historic Buildings
• 
  Building Small Projects (New Best of Fine Woodworking)