Geograph - photograph every grid square

Grade II Listed Scheduled Ancient Monument and the only cross that still survives in its original position within County Durham. Cardinal Langley granted Stanhope two annual fairs and a weekly market to be held on Fridays in 1421. Market day was moved to Wednesday, presumably in 1669 when the cross was first installed, reportedly at request of the local rector so that a market did not fall on Good Friday a "great profanation of the memory of the death and passion of our Lord." This 'new' cross was erected in 1871 on the 4 older square steps and the Local Board of Health took over the running of the market in 1873. The top step is inscribed "MARKET GRANTED 1669 CROSS ERECTED 1871". For the old cross see NY9939 : Old Market Cross, St Thomas's Churchyard, Stanhope.