Buttercross

A buttercross in Oakham

The 17th-century buttercross in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire.

A buttercross, also known as butter cross, is a type of market cross associated with English market towns and dating from medieval times. Its name originates from the fact that they were located at the market place, where people from neighbouring villages would gather to buy locally produced butter, milk and eggs. The fresh produce was laid out and displayed on the circular stepped bases of the cross.

Their design varies from place to place, but they are often covered by some type of roof to offer shelter, although the roofs were mostly added at a much later date than the original cross they cover.

Known buttercrosses

English towns and villages known to have a buttercross include:

External links

Media related to Butter crosses at Wikimedia Commons