Winterton churchyard has the remains of a medieval cross, with a modern standing cross just 1.2m to its west. The modern cross is a memorial cross erected in 1906.

Winterton medieval cross – an eroded socket stone with a portion of shaft
Parish/DistrictWinterton/North Lincs
Locationc.4m south east of south Porch of All Saints Church
CategoryChurchyard cross
National Grid RefSE 92826 18573
Designation Listed II
Stone TypeLimestone
RefsDavies, D S, 1915, ‘Lincolnshire Notes & Queries‘ in Ancient Stone Crosses in Lindsey and Holland Divisions of Lincs, Vol XIII No.8, p.226
VisitsDS/HH: 16 November 2006

Winterton held a market charter from 1334 and it is possible that the cross remains in All Saints churchyard may be a relocated market cross. However, its position, c.4m from the main entrance door to the church is also perfectly valid for a churchyard cross. The cross is shown in the same position in J C Nattes’s drawing of Winterton church c.1800.

The cross comprises a socket stone and a fragment of shaft – the socket stone appears to be set on a buried stone step or plinth.

The socket stone, which is somewhat eroded/repaired, is c.0.69m square by 0.3m high with the corners moulded to form an octagonal top. The socket is set centrally and is rectangular (0.25 x 0.2m). The shaft fragment is rectangular with rolls on the corners and is c.0.53m high. The top has been cut roughly square.

A modern cross has been erected adjacent (c.1.2m to the west) of the medieval cross. It comprises two steps, socket stone, shaft knop and gabled crucifix head. The base bears the inscription: This churchyard cross is erected to Mary, eldest daughter of William Hollingsworth and Elizabeth Drifill, of Winterton Hall. AD 1904. Newspaper reports and historic postcards give the date of dedication of the new cross as 21 April 1906.

Nattes’s drawing (c.1800) of Winterton church shows the cross (far left, foreground) in the same location as at present (c) Lincolnshire Archives
Winterton medieval cross stands adjacent to a modern standing cross dedicated in 1906

Winterton new churchyard cross – erected in memory of Mary Clarke who died in 1904 – Dedicated by the Bishop of Lincoln on 21 April 1906 – Newspaper report from Hull Daily Mail, 26 April 1906.

Winterton

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