The Buttercross in Winchester is a famous and historically significant stone monument.
It was originally known as the City Cross or High Cross.
The popular name comes from its function as a market cross in the medieval period, where local people and country traders would sell produce like butter, cheese, and eggs from the steps at its base.
History and Construction
Date: It is believed to date back to the early 15th century (Mid-1400s).

Commission: It is thought to have been commissioned by Cardinal Beaufort, who was the Bishop of Winchester from 1404 to 1447.

MCW73

October 9, 2025

Hiking

The cross features a total of twelve figures, though many were replaced during the Victorian restoration:

Large Figures (Mid-level): There are four main statues, one on each face. Only one, often believed to be St John the Evangelist (or possibly St Amphibalus), is original (medieval). The others, added by Gilbert Scott, include figures of:

William of Wykeham (Bishop of Winchester)

Lawrence de Anne (an early Mayor of Winchester)

Alfred the Great (King)

Smaller Figures (High-level): Eight smaller figures represent The Blessed Virgin and various Saints (including Bartholomew, Peter, Swithun, John, Lawrence, Maurice, and Thomas).

MCW73

October 9, 2025

Hiking

A famous story attached to the Buttercross is its close escape from removal:

In 1770, the Paving Commissioners sold the cross to a local squire, a Mr. Thomas Dummer, who wanted to move it to his estate at Cranbury Park.

When the workmen arrived to dismantle it, the citizens of Winchester staged a small riot, effectively driving the workers away and preserving the beloved monument for the city.

The Buttercross is a protected monument, listed as a Grade II structure and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 80 m

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Saturday 21 February

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Location: Hampshire, South East England, England, United Kingdom

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