Market Cross, Devizes

Market Cross, Devizes, in 2007

The Market Cross in Devizes, Wiltshire, England sits in Market Place at the centre of the town.[1] It was constructed in 1814 on the site of an older cross. Designed by architect James Wyatt, it is Gothic in style.[2] It was completed posthumously to his design, following Wyatt's death in a coach accident near Marlborough.[3] His son Benjamin Wyatt is also credited as the architect, likely because he executed his father's design.[4]

Funding for construction

The monument was erected by the corporation of Devizes. It was paid for by Henry Addington, Viscount Sidmouth, a former Prime Minister then serving as Home Secretary, who had been a Member of Parliament for the town between 1784 and 1805 before his elevation to the House of Lords.[5]

Listed status

The cross has been granted Grade II* status and was first listed in 1954.[2]

References

  1. ^ Orbach, Julian; Pevsner, Nikolaus; Cherry, Bridget (2021). Wiltshire. The Buildings Of England. New Haven, US and London: Yale University Press. pp. 277–278. ISBN 978-0-300-25120-3. OCLC 1201298091.
  2. ^ a b Historic England. "The Market Cross (1250362)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  3. ^ Dale p.216
  4. ^ Durman p.166
  5. ^ "Second time for Devizes cross". Gazette and Herald. 29 August 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2023.

Bibliography

  • Dale, Antony. James Wyatt. B. Blackwell, 1956.
  • Durman, Richard. Classical Buildings of Wiltshire & Bath: A Palladian Quest. Millstream, 2000.

51°21′09″N 1°59′44″W / 51.35246°N 1.99555°W / 51.35246; -1.99555