Butter Cross

Heritage Site in Shropshire

England

Butter Cross

Hampton Loade Station A Severn Valley Railway train from Bridgnorth rolls into Hampton Loade station en-route for Kidderminster — Hampton Loade Station Credit: David Stowell

The Butter Cross is a historic structure located in the town of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England. It is a heritage site that holds great significance in the local history and culture of the town. The cross is situated in the heart of the town, at the junction of High Street and Cross Hill.

Dating back to the late 14th century, the Butter Cross was originally a covered market where local farmers would sell their produce, including butter, eggs, and poultry. It served as a central hub for commercial activities and became an important meeting point for the townspeople.

The structure itself is a timber-framed building with an octagonal shape. It features an open ground floor, supported by stone piers, with a wooden upper level that is timber-framed. The upper level is adorned with intricate carvings and decorative elements. The roof is steeply pitched and covered with wooden shingles, giving it a charming and traditional appearance.

Over the centuries, the Butter Cross has undergone several renovations and restorations to ensure its preservation. Today, it stands as a proud symbol of Shrewsbury's rich history and architectural heritage. The site is a popular attraction for visitors, who can admire the craftsmanship of the structure and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the surrounding area.

The Butter Cross is not only a remarkable architectural landmark but also a testament to the importance of local markets and trade in the development of Shrewsbury. It continues to play a significant role in the town's cultural identity and serves as a reminder of its past.

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Butter Cross Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.467/-2.375 or Grid Reference SO7485. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hampton Loade Station

A Severn Valley Railway train from Bridgnorth rolls into Hampton Loade station en-route for Kidderminster

David Stowell

The Severn Centre, Highley

The newly completed leisure complex at Highley

David Stowell

Country Park Halt

This recently built halt on the Severn Valley Railway appears on the printed map for the area but strangely at the time the picture was taken did not yet appear on the OS "Get-a-Map" website!

David Stowell

Woodhill, Highley

A row of what were probably miners houses in the former colliery area

David Stowell

Hampton Loade lane

Looking down the lane towards the river, with Upper Hampton Farm (actually in the next square) in the distance

David Stowell

Waterworks bridge, Hampton Loade

The pipes also serve to support the private road linking the water abstraction plant with the reservoirs on the other side of the river

David Stowell

Hampton Loade Ferry

This environmentally sound ferry uses the natural flow of the river to move itself across the Severn. It is tethered to a pulley block that runs on a cable suspended across the river, just visible in the upper left of the picture.

David Stowell

Station in Bloom, Hampton Loade

This pleasant photograph was taken from a seat on Hampton Loade station whilst waiting for the next steam train to arrive

Neil Kennedy

"Bradley Manor" at Hampton Loade

This is my favourite spot for photography on the Severn Valley Railway. Looking down from the station you can see "Railway Cottage" at the bottom of the drive as GWR engine no. 7802 "Bradley Manor" drifts slowly into the station en route from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster.

Neil Kennedy

Visitor Centre in Severn Valley Country Park

Visitor centre and tea room with views over the River Severn. This is close to a new pedestrian and cycleway crossing of the river and leading towards the Severn Valley Railway.

John M

New Foot/Cycleway Bridge over River Severn

This bridge when complete in late 2006 will carry Salisbury to Chester (Cycle Route 45 - Mercian Way) over the River Severn. The old bridge shortly to be demolished was built in the mid 1930s for the local collieries at Highley and Alveley.

John M

New and Old Footbridges over River Severn

The new bridge when complete in late 2006 will carry Salisbury to Chester (Cycle Route 45 - Mercian Way) over the River Severn. The old bridge shortly to be demolished was built in the mid 1930s for the local collieries at Highley and Alveley.

John M

Bache Arms, Highley

al partington

Hampton Loade geese

Geese at Hampton Loade

Roger Dean

River severn ducks

Ducks by the river severn at Hampton Loade.

Roger Dean

Church of St Mary the Virgin, Alveley

Paul Marshall

Buttercross, Alveley

The cross is marked faintly on the round stone at the head. Pevsner says it "probably marks the site of an ancient open-air market", but according to the local historical society states that it may be where butter and other commodities were left for the villagers to collect during time of plague.

Paul Marshall