Scheduled MonumentsEnglandEleanor Cross, Waltham Cross

Eleanor Cross, Waltham Cross

England
List entry 1017471
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Eleanor Cross, Waltham Cross is a Gothic Revival monument erected in the late nineteenth century to commemorate the medieval Eleanor Crosses, the series of stone monuments commissioned by Edward I following the death of his queen, Eleanor of Castile, in 1290. The Waltham Cross structure stands as one of the most substantial surviving examples of the original medieval crosses, dating from the 1290s, and displays characteristic Gothic architectural detailing including pointed arches and ornamental stonework typical of late thirteenth-century royal monuments. The cross marks the site where the funeral cortège of Eleanor of Castile rested during its journey from Nottinghamshire to Westminster Abbey, one of twelve stations along the route that gave rise to the Eleanor Cross commemorative scheme. The monument has long served as a prominent civic landmark in the town, which itself takes its name from the cross's presence.

Eleanor Cross, Waltham Cross is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1017471. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Eleanor Cross, Waltham Cross?

Eleanor Cross, Waltham Cross is a Gothic Revival monument erected in the late nineteenth century to commemorate the medieval Eleanor Crosses, the series of stone monuments commissioned by Edward I following the death of his queen, Eleanor of Castile, in 1290. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1017471.

Who is responsible for protecting Eleanor Cross, Waltham Cross?

Eleanor Cross, Waltham Cross is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1017471.

What other scheduled monuments are near Eleanor Cross, Waltham Cross?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Theobalds Palace, Waltham Cross (1 km), Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Factory (2 km), World War II Bofors Anti-aircraft gun platform 340m south east of Cheshunt railway station (2 km).

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