The levelled remains of South Elkington churchyard cross – just 3.5m from the modern south porch
Parish/DistrictElkington / East Lindsey
Locationin the churchyard of All Saints’ Church 3.5m south of the porch
CategoryChurchyard cross
National Grid RefTF 29348 88292
DesignationScheduled
Stone TypeLimestone
RefsAP Survey 23 Jan 1998; Davies, D S, 1915, Lincs N & Q, Vol XIII No.6, p.213
VisitsAP: 23 Jan 1998 DS: 5 Aug 2024

The churchyard cross at South Elkington is very close (3.5m) to the SW corner of the south porch, although the porch was presumably rebuilt in the 1840s restoration and may be larger than any medieval predecessor.

A socket stone with a levelled stump of shaft survives. It is interesting to note that when Davies recorded the stone in 1915, there was 0.2m above ground; in 1998, AP measured 0.15m and by 2024 there was only 0.12m showing above ground.

The socket stone is rectangular, 0.62m E-W by 0.52m NS, with a deep chamfer on its upper edge. The south west corner is damaged and there is a narrow groove cut from socket to outer on the north side.

The socket is square (0.28 x 0.28m), lined with lead, and contains a portion of shaft levelled with the top of the stone.

South Elkington socket stone – the SW corner (bottom left) is damaged and a groove has been cut in the north side – the socket is lead lined

There is also a modern standing cross in the South Elkington churchyard, erected to consecrate the graveyard extension of the 1880s. It is a Latin cross mounted on four steps and bears the following inscription on its east side: TO COMMEMORATE THE CONSECRATION OF THE NEW PORTION OF GOD’S ACRE AUGUST 8TH 1888

South Elkington also has a modern standing cross – to consecrate the churchyard extension of 1888

South Elkington

2 thoughts on “South Elkington

  • 9 October 2024 at 17:53
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    This relatively recent cross is surely a credit both to its sponsors & makers. A fine enhancement to this attractive churchyard.

    Reply
    • 10 October 2024 at 00:00
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      Hi Richard – A fine cross indeed. It is rare to see a modern cross erected to consecrate a new graveyard in this way. It must have been a costly project!
      Many think that medieval churchyard crosses were installed, first and foremost, as reminders of the souls buried/contained in the churchyard (all without grave markers in those days) and the need for the living to pray for them. – It is interesting to see this tradition revived in the late 19C.
      Dave

      Reply

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