The base of an ancient market cross (C15) supports the modern cross, built in 1831 at the junction of 3 roads. A licence to hold a market here, granted in the C13, suggests the early existence of a cross. (2)
The steps and base of the cross, which has stopped and chamfered mouldings, are both octagonal and are probably C13 (sic). The shaft consists of a C18 Roman Doric column, surmounted by a heavy entablature and ball. It was erected in 1831 to commemorate the coronation of William IV. (5)
The whole monument is of limestone; the Med base c 1.20m high and the column c 5.00m high. It is interesting that the decorative moulding of the entablature imitates that of the earlier base. (6)
Instead of standing on a patch of green the cross now stands on a cobbled triangle at the road junction. The inscription was not noted but may well still be legible. The cross is subject to a quinquennial inspection by the Regional Building Staff. (Detailed historical information and description of cross - see source). (7)
Owned by National Trust.

Listed buildings slides, 1 slides (Photograph). SNT2648.

Charles Glenn & Mark Fennell, --/09/96, Colston Bassett Market Cross (Plan). SNT4293.

<1> OS, 1956, 6in 1956 (Map). SNT1070.

<2> Stapleton A, 1912, Catalogue of Notts Crosses, p 8 (Published document). SNT1324.

<3> Colquhoun FD, 1974, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT582.

<4> DOE (IAM), 1978, Anc Mons Eng, vol 3, p 77 (Published document). SNT640.

<5> DOE, AM7 - undated, no author (Unpublished document). SNT52.

<6> Samuels JR, 1987, AM107 (Unpublished document). SNT1232.

<7> Beamish HJH, 1987, Colston Basset Market Cross, Nottinghamshire (Monograph). SNT461.

<8> Pevsner N, 1979, The Buildings of England: Nottinghamshire 2nd ed. (Monograph). SNT4.