The simple crosses from the early twelfth century through to the ornate lantern crosses of the 16^th century were illustrated. The many reasons for crosses were explained, some religious, some meeting posts, and the way-side crosses that acted as guide posts to a church or holy well. Some marked the boundary of sanctuary land around places like Padstow. It was fascinating to see the variety of uses that old crosses had been used for, particularly as they fell out of favour in the nineteenth century. They have been found as building material for church and garden walls, as bridges, and particularly popular, as gate posts around farms.

Many today have been re-erected, mostly for the benefit of the public, although not necessarily in their original position. Road widening and building requirements mean they have had to be re-sited. Sadly, some get broken by careless drivers, and occasionally they have been stolen. Today, they are micro-chipped so making them identifiable.

There was also a display of old iron pins that had been used to repair some of the crosses in earlier times and a piece of a cross that had been microchipped. Andrew’s excellent style of presentation and his huge knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject was remarked on when Graham Jones gave a warm vote of thanks, Andrew’s talk having been hugely enjoyed by all those present. The next talk at the Gildhouse is about another piece of Cornwall’s heritage, St Mary’s Priory at Launceston at 7.30pm on Wednesday 10^th August.

T.D.