Queen Eleanor Cross was built in the 13th century. It was part of 12 crosses built by King Edward I after Queen Eleanor‘s death in 1290. There are only three left in the country: one in Geddington, one in Waltham and this one in Hardingstone.
The Cross was quite deteriorated, so after four years of campaigning, restoration works started back in Spring. The scaffolding has now been removed and we can enjoy this faboulous monument again.
Did you know that Queen Eleanor’s real name was Leonor and was born in the Kingdom of Castile, which is now part of Spain? At that point in history, Spain did not exist as such and it was all made of kingdoms. The future Queen of Spain, the current Princess of Asturias, is also called Leonor.
Image by Mike Ingram in Save Our Queen Eleanor’s Cross FB group
Pitsford International 