Scheduled Ancient Monument: CROSS IN GROUNDS OF ASHFIELD HOUSE (SF225)

The cross is said to have formed a bridge across the stream at the entrance to Gt Ashfield churchyard and to have been moved to Ashfield House by Lord Thurlow ( died 1806). 1980: Barnack stone cross, found re-used as a footbridge and re-erected circa 1800 in the grounds of Ashfield House. Stands about 10 ft high on a stone plinth (C18?) about 9 x 14 ins square. The floral decoration on each side suggests a date of circa 1250. There are remains of an inscription, now indecipherable but worth more study. Two sides are worn and a plain equal- armed cross has been carved on the top of one (presumably when it was re- erected). The stone broke in 3 when it was being re-erected and was mended with iron and lead clamps which are now in need of attention. Otherwise the cross is as described in 1930, in a sheltered corner of a garden. 1981: Cross as described above. Lead and iron clamps still in need of attention. Green fungus is beginning to cover front of cross . 1986: NE and SW faces of cross dished. Breaks recently re-mortared and re- clamped. Shaft held to plinth by lead clamps. Also AST Misc Med - mislocation?