Browse crosses

Location:  In the centre of Cheriton Bishop, at the side of the road, just before the turning which leads to the church.

O/S Grid Ref:  SX/77316/93005       Longitude/Latitude (Degrees+/-):  -3.73946/50.72367

Map location:  Click here to view map.

Purpose:  Village War Memorial.

Size:  2 feet 9 inches (0.84 metres) high. 2 feet (0.61 metres) across the arms. The shaft is 9 inches (0.23 metres) wide by 9 inches (0.23 metres) deep.

Information:  The whole cross, shaft, head and arms, are octagonal in shape and has a weather-beaten appearance. It has been quite badly treated in the past, with one arm being completely destroyed and the other still visibly showing the signs of damage suffered. Viewed from the road the left hand arm, which is the replacement, has been cemented around its joint with the shaft. In addition, there is a long strengthening bolt running through the length of both arms and shaft, with a fixing plate at each end. The end of the bolt and plate has been plugged with cement on the left hand arm. However, the cement plug has fallen away on the right hand arm and the end of the bolt and plate are clearly visible. The cross has quite a squat appearance, which makes me wonder whether the shaft is now somewhat shorter than it was originally.
 
The cross is set into large square socket stone, which measures 18 inches (0.46 metres) high and 2 feet 11 inches (0.89 metres) in both width and depth. The shaft is cemented firmly into the centre of the socket stone.

Behind the cross and fixed to the retaining wall is a vertical granite plaque. Generally this has a rough surface, but the area containing the text is inlaid and has a contrasting smooth surface. The inscription, which consists of letters made of lead, reads as follows:

THIS ANCIENT CROSS HAS BEEN RESTORED TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN MEMORY OF THOSE MEN OF CHERITON BISHOP WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918 ALFRED BEER, THOMAS DREW, WILLIAM BOLT, FRED LAKE, S. G. CARTHEW, GEORGE SAFFIN, WILLIAM EDWARDS, DANIEL PITTS, 1939-1945. SAMUEL H. HUTCHINGS CPO. RN

The whole memorial is set back from the pavement into a recess in the roadside wall. It is set on a concrete base, with the backing of a granite wall. There is a large flower container against the wall on each side of the plaque and a handily placed bench on which to take a rest. On the whole a nice spot to sit and reflect, if one can ignore the inevitable passing traffic.