The marriage of Edward 1st and Eleanor of Castille began as a marriage of political convenience,but became a match of true love.When Eleanor died at Harby,on 28th Nov.1290,Edward was devastated.After 3 days of mourning,she was taken to Lincoln where her body was embalmed.
The cortege passed through Grantham,Stamford,Geddington,Hardingstone(Northampton),Stony Stratford,Woburn,Dunstable,St.Albans,Waltham,West Cheap to the final stopping place at Charing,London.This 159 mile journey took 15 days.
Edward requested his master mason to provide a basic design for crosses,to be erected in 12 of the 15 resting places,their purpose to inspire sentiment and implore passers by,to remember and pray for the soul of his "Queen of Good Memory",as she was called.
Of the 12 crosses,only 3 remain,2 in our county,at Geddington and here in Northampton,and the 3rd at Waltham.It is believed that many crosses were destroyed during the "Cromwellian"rampage.The surviving Charing Cross is,in fact,a replica,but still quite magnificent.The crosses were finally finished in 1294.
This is the most splendid cross and commemorates when she rested at Delapre Abbey on 9th Dec.1290.It is known locally as the "Queen's Cross,and has undergone careful restoration.Although the top of the monument is missing,it remains a fine example of our local history.
Best viewed large.
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