Malmesbury Market Cross
Coordinates: 51°35′02″N 2°05′53″W / 51.58385°N 2.0980403°W
In the centre of Malmesbury, Wiltshire, stands the market cross, built c.1490, possibly using limestone salvaged from the recently ruined part of Malmesbury Abbey, which then began just across the market square from the cross. An elaborately carved octagonal structure of the Perpendicular Period, it is recognised as one of the best preserved of its kind in England, and was made a Grade I listed building in 1949. A carving in relief of the Crucifixion (visible right of centre in the illustration) and figures of several saints have survived the Reformation on the open lantern, although the lower niches for figures are now empty. Inside there is a lierne vaulted roof with carved bosses, springing from a central column with stone seating around it. There is a low wall or bench across all the outside arches except two. The building is over 40 ft. high, and today is nicknamed "the Birdcage", because of its appearance, and still serves to shelter market traders by day and as a meeting point at night.
It was described by John Leland, who visited Malmesbury in 1542, as follows:
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