Scheduled MonumentsEnglandHill figure on Whiteleaf Hill, known as the Whiteleaf Cross

Hill figure on Whiteleaf Hill, known as the Whiteleaf Cross

England
List entry 1014597
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Whiteleaf Cross is a hill figure consisting of a large chalk cross cut into the downland of Whiteleaf Hill near Prince's Risborough in Buckinghamshire. The monument is formed by two intersecting lines of exposed chalk, creating a distinctive cross shape visible from considerable distances across the surrounding landscape. The precise date of its creation remains uncertain, though it has been attributed variously to the medieval period or later, with some antiquarian tradition suggesting even earlier origins, though definitive archaeological evidence for its founding period has not been established. The figure has required periodic maintenance and re-chalking to preserve its visibility, reflecting the ongoing importance of the monument to local communities and its status as a prominent landmark in the Chiltern Hills.

Hill figure on Whiteleaf Hill, known as the Whiteleaf Cross is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1014597. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Hill figure on Whiteleaf Hill, known as the Whiteleaf Cross?

Whiteleaf Cross is a hill figure consisting of a large chalk cross cut into the downland of Whiteleaf Hill near Prince's Risborough in Buckinghamshire. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1014597.

Who is responsible for protecting Hill figure on Whiteleaf Hill, known as the Whiteleaf Cross?

Hill figure on Whiteleaf Hill, known as the Whiteleaf 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 1014597.

What other scheduled monuments are near Hill figure on Whiteleaf Hill, known as the Whiteleaf Cross?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Buckinghamshire Grim's Ditch: 1.13km long section from Grymsdyke Manor to RAF High Wycombe (4.8 km), Village settlement site on Lodge Hill (4.9 km), Two bowl barrows 450m north west of Slough Glebe Farm, part of the Saunderton Lee barrow cemetery (5.3 km).

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