Malmesbury Market Cross

Malmesbury Market Cross is a market cross structure from the 15th century built with eight pillars and stone seating, rising about 40 feet (12 meters) high at the north end of High Street. The octagonal building is made from local limestone and remains one of the best-preserved market crosses from that time.

It was built around 1490 from limestone sourced from the nearby abbey and served as a shelter for traders in the market. In 1949 it received Grade I listed status and was designated as a scheduled monument for protection.

The market cross displays relief carvings of the Crucifixion and saint figures that survived the Reformation, showing the religious meaning this trading place held for the community. These carved details remind visitors of the spiritual role markets played in medieval life.

The structure stands open in the town center and can be visited anytime as it remains accessible year-round. The surrounding area offers plenty of space to walk around, and the site continues to serve as an active part of town life with regular market days.

A pinnacle damaged by a modern vehicle now sits in the Athelstan Museum, showing the ongoing tension between preservation and current town use. This broken piece reminds visitors how fragile older structures can be in today's traffic.

Location: Malmesbury

GPS coordinates: 51.58386,-2.09804

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:46