Please click the Play button to listen to a brief audio clip about the history of High and Low Cross.
A Transcript is also available further down the page.
Photos taken by WittWoo Photography 2022
Historical Images
Audio Transcript
Two large crosses, known as the High and Low Cross, stand at either end of Boroughgate and mark the original boundaries of the market. Cheese was sold from the stepped base of High Cross, and butter was sold from the stepped base of Low Cross.
The High Cross is the older of the two, built circa 1670 and bearing the inscription ‘Retain your loyalty, preserve your rights’. The design of this Doric pillar is remarkably close in design to the 7 Dials Pillar in Central London, built by Edward Pierce.
Low Cross was built in the eighteenth Century as replica of High Cross, likely to celebrate the restoration of the Monarchy.
They were refurbished in 2019 as part of the Appleby Heritage Action Zone project, and have been returned back to their true original colours, after previously being black and white. Both Crosses are Grade II* listed monuments, and the 19th Century cast iron lantern in front of High Cross is also Grade II* listed.
About the Speaker: Duncan Curley
Duncan Curley has been a Town Councillor for over 6 years. He attended Appleby Grammar School before going to university in London and later becoming a lawyer. Duncan is an enthusiastic supporter of Appleby’s built heritage. He lives at Castle Bank, an 18th century house in Appleby, by the river Eden.