Name: Sandbach Crosses
Rating: 5.0

Sandbach Crosses

Market Square, Sandbach CW11 1AT, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Sandbach Crosses These two massive Saxon stone crosses dominate the cobbled market square of Sandbach. They are elaborately carved with animals and Biblical scenes including the Nativity of Christ and the Crucifixion, and probably date from the 9th century. They were originally painted as well as carved, and they are among the finest surviving examples of Anglo-Saxon high crosses.

The two massive crosses standing in the market square at Sandbach are thought, from their iconography, to date back to the early 9th century. So fine is their carved decoration that they have prompted speculation that a minster or a monastery – with an associated workshop of skilled sculptors – was located at Sandbach during the Saxon period.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Sandbach Crosses: The two massive crosses standing in the market square at Sandbach are thought, from their iconography, to date back to the early 9th century.
So fine is their carved decoration that they have prompted speculation that a minster or a monastery – with an associated workshop of skilled sculptors – was located at Sandbach during the Saxon period.
Whether these sandstone crosses were an expression of the power of such an establishment, set up as boundary markers, or used in religious services is unclear. It is unlikely that they commemorate the introduction of Christianity into Mercia by King Peada in ad 643 as the bronze plaque asserts. They are often described as being among the most important surviving examples of Anglo-Saxon high crosses.
Probably moved from their unknown original site to the market-place in the 16th century, the crosses have had an eventful history. They were violently broken up, probably by Puritans, in the 17th century and the pieces distributed around the vicinity (and even incorporated into an artificial grotto at Oulton). In 1816 they were reassembled and re-erected; some other Anglo-Saxon stone fragments remain by the porch of St Mary’s Church.
The decoration on the larger cross focuses on biblical subjects. Among the carved narrative scenes is a Nativity with a Crucifixion above it, an Adoration of the Magi and an Annunciation. A luxuriant vine scroll appears on the south side. The figures, animals and ornament on the smaller cross are more difficult to interpret, although they most likely represent different aspects of the Christian community.

Facilities

Parking: There are several paid car parks in the town centre, all a short walk from the Market Square.
Food & Drinks: There are many shops, food outlets nearby in Sandbach town centre.
Toilets: There are public toilets nearby in Sandbach town centre.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: Market Square, Sandbach CW11 1AT, UK

Post Code: CW11 1AT

Council: Cheshire East

County: Cheshire

Road Access: Market Sq, Sandbach.
Bus Access: Bakerbus 32; Arriva 37, 37E; Arriva/D&G 38; D&G 78, SB1, SB2 & SB3; GHA X81 (Wed & Fri only)
Train Access: Sandbach 1 1⁄2 miles.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There are several paid car parks in the town centre, all a short walk from the Market Square.