Mabs Cross Wigan
Not far from Wigan town center on Standishgate, this cross is outside Mabs Cross School by the road side. Difficult to view the back or the cross. There is a pedestal base on blocks on top of a stepped base with a broken cross shaft in place. There are marks made by metal straps at all levels. The plaque reads "MAB'S CROSS - Lady Mabel Bradshaigh did penance for bigamy in 1323 by walking barefoot once a week from Haigh Hall to this cross, since known as Mab's Cross in memory of Lady Mabel. Acoording to the ancient legend her husband, Sir William Bradshaigh was away on a crusade for several years. Believing he was dead, she married a welsh knight. Sir William on his return to Haigh, slew the welshman and settled down here with Lady Mabel. He was murdered in an affray on Monday the 16th of August 1`333 and was buried in Wigan Parish Church. His wife founded the Bradshaw Chantry in 1338, where their effigies are still to be seen in the church. The cross was originally located on the opposite side of the road in front of 138 Standishgate, but was moved to the present location in connection with highway improvements carried out in recent times." The Blood Stone Legend has it that 'The Blood Stone' at Newton-le-Willows 6 miles south along the A49 is the spot where Sir William slew the welsh knight. The stone used to be part of the curb but was moved back in 1961. |
Standish Wood Lane Cross Pedestal
This pedestal is up on the bank along Standish Wood Lane on the brow of a rise. It has a notch cut into the rim. |
Beech Walk Cross
This is an odd one. It is placed at the junction of Green Lane, Standish Wood Lane and Beech Walk, Standish. However, I could not find it when I visited this route, and it does not appear on old OS maps. It does appear on Lancashire Mario, marked as 'Cross'. As I was writing this article I checked on Google Street View one last time, and there it is (top right) behind the post. Update: Now been back and produced 3D model (right). |
Green Lane Cross
This cross pedestal has been moved in recent times from its original position near the junction of Green Lane and School Lane to the other end of Green Lane near the junction with Westmead. |
Standish Market Cross
Outside of ooooo Church stands Standish Market Cross with a set of stocks. Adjacent to the cross is an old well. |
Gilibrand Walk Cross
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