Why was Eleanor Cross?
The Eleanor Crosses were erected by King Edward I at the end of the thirteenth century, in memory of his wife Eleanor of Castile. There were twelve, marking the journey of her body from Lincoln to London. The most famous - this one at Charing Cross - was the most grand. Reproduced faithfully by the Victorians, this spot has marked the point distances to London are measured from for 700 years.
posted by Ham at 00:02 --
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Comments on "Why was Eleanor Cross?"
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Arguendo | Dixi said ... (02:52) :
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Nic said ... (13:35) :
post a commentIt amazes me that something built 800 years ago is still standing and is so beautiful.
I thought the one at Charing Cross has been moved from its original spot...it originally stood at the bottom of Trafalgar Square where we now have a statue of Charles I. I also thought the original marker at the bottom of the Square was where London distances were measured to (there used to be a plaque on the ground behind the Charles statue which said as much).