Mordkreuz der Mersche von Tilbeck, Conciliation cross in Tilbeck, Havixbeck, Germany

The Mordkreuz der Mersche von Tilbeck is a conciliation cross of Baumberg sandstone, heavily weathered, standing at the start of the hollow way Baumberger Ludgerusweg between Schapdetten and Stift Tilbeck. It is fixed with iron clamps to a two-tiered base: the lower concrete step dates from its relocation during road construction, the upper step probably from the 1764 renewal. Its inscription, as far as legible, begins INRI and names the year 1164.

The cross was erected following a murder in 1164 and preserves the memory of this crime through carved inscriptions. In the 18th century, the monument underwent restoration and repairs, which helped preserve it through the centuries.

The name Mordkreuz, "murder cross", keeps alive the story of a "Meiersche" from Tilbeck who, according to legend, was robbed and killed by Landsknechte after a visit to an inn. The mercenaries had seen her rummage in a full purse and lay in wait, but the bag held only nails. Such crosses were set up as Sühnekreuze, conciliation crosses, a custom of atonement for a killing.

The monument sits beside a walking path near the Baumberge and is clearly visible from the road. Visitors should know that the location is best reached on foot and the surrounding landscape is flat and easy to walk through.

The cross was moved a few metres during road construction and now stands at the start of the sunken lane Baumberger Ludgerusweg. Its weathered inscription records the renewal of 1764, when the 1164 cross was "reboriret", and names the murdered woman as a "Meiersche" from Tilbeck.