Huddersfield Market Cross

Huddersfield Market Cross is a seventeenth-century stone column in the centre of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, in the Kirklees district. It marks the spot where the town's market has traded for more than three centuries, and it ranks among the oldest surviving monuments in the town centre. Historic England protects it as a Grade II listed structure.

What exactly is the Market Cross?

Despite the name, this is not a medieval-style cross topped with a crucifix. It is an Ionic column standing on low steps. The base is gadrooned in a roughly cut form. Higher up sits a square block with small swags hanging from the volutes, and each of its four faces carries a coat of arms. A stone ball finial crowns the top.

Who built it, and why?

The Huddersfield History buildings record dates the column to 1671 and credits Sir John Ramsden, 1st Baronet, whose family held the land around the town for generations. He put it up after receiving a royal charter to hold a market on this site, so the monument stood as a visible sign that trading here had the Crown's approval. The steps at the foot are modern replacements. The carving style has been compared to a seventeenth-century garden house at Whitley Beaumont, also near Huddersfield.

What is its heritage status?

The cross was listed on 3 March 1952 and appears in the National Heritage List for England under entry number 1313548. Grade II covers buildings of special national interest, so alterations need formal consent.

What should you look at?

Three details reward a closer look:

• the coats of arms on the square block below the top,
• the swags by the volutes, small decorative touches typical of the period,
• the ball finial that completes the column.

A visit takes only a few minutes, so it fits well into a walk around central Huddersfield and its other listed buildings, including Byram Arcade.

How do you find it?

The column stands in the town centre on Market Place, at roughly 53.6466 N, 1.7822 W. It is an outdoor monument, so you can view it free of charge at any hour.

Frequently asked questions

Is Huddersfield Market Cross a listed monument?

Yes. It is Grade II listed, with the listing dating from 3 March 1952.

When was it built?

In 1671, by Sir John Ramsden, 1st Baronet, after he obtained a royal market charter.

What does it look like?

An Ionic column on steps, with a square block carrying coats of arms and swags, and a stone ball on top.

Do you need a ticket?

No. It stands in a public space and is free to see at any time.