Exploring Kent's Past

It should not be assumed that this site is publicly accessible and it may be on private property. Do not trespass.

Monument details

Summary

Medieval market or village cross originally situated in the High Street by the Red Lion, Snodland. By 1846 only the steps survived and were moved into the churchyard. The present cross was added later in the 19th century. The cross is set upon a pedestal of three steps; 2.6 metres square at the base and 0.5 metres high.

Monument Types

• MARKET CROSS (MARKET CROSS, Medieval to Post Medieval - 1066 AD to 1899 AD)

Full description

If you do not understand anything on this page please contact us.

[TQ70766181] In Snodland churchyard - A modern churchyard cross set upon a pedestal of three ancient steps; 2.6m square at base and 0.5m high GP AO/59/17/5 from NE (1) In Snodland churchyard is a cross built on the steps of the old market cross. These latter were removed from 'opposite veles' (Brook Street) [name TQ 705616] by Canon Phelps, Rector of Snodland 1804-1865. (2) The ancient market or village cross of Snodland stood by the Red Lion at the beginning of Brook Street. By 1846 the steps alone remained and in that year they were removed to the churchyard. The cross that now surmounts them was built some years later. "In ancient days the fish market was held near the cross and the Rector received a tithe on all sold". (3) The stone cross now standing in the churchyard orginally stood at the top of Brook Street between the Red Lion and Veles. Veles was situated at the "lower end of high Street" and was the residence of the Hook family. (4) According to one of the workmen at Snodland gasworks 'Veles' was situated at c.TQ 70556182, on the north side of High Street, and the orchard there situated belonged to it. This would agree with Authy. 4. The original site of the cross would therefore be at 'B' [TQ 70546180] (i.e. in the High Street and approximately opposite the end of Brook Street). This would be a reasonable site for a Market Cross. 'Veles' was burnt down in 1906. (5) No mentioned in The Buildings of England (6)

<1> F1 CFW 25-JUN-59 (OS Card Reference). SKE42760.

<2> `Rambles Round Churches` Vol.1 1925 pp.49-50 (H Smetham) (OS Card Reference). SKE32727.

<3> `Snodland and Its History` 1928, pp.22 & 43 (C. de R. Wall - Rector of Snodland) (OS Card Reference). SKE32733.

<4> Historical Jottings Ph. of Snodland. 1894, pp.11 & 30. (pub. by J. Woolmer Snodland) (OS Card Reference). SKE44083.

<5> F1 GSL 14-AUG-59 (OS Card Reference). SKE43017.

<6> Bldgs of Eng W Kent & the Weald 1980 (J Newman) (OS Card Reference). SKE37841.

<7> Field report for monument TQ 76 SW 26 - June, 1959 (Bibliographic reference). SKE4185.

<8> Field report for monument TQ 76 SW 26 - August, 1959 (Bibliographic reference). SKE4186.

Sources and further reading