Key Takeaways
- A 200-year-old granite cross, known as the Borough Cross, has been discovered in Penzance, Cornwall, during gas pipe replacement works.
- The cross marks the historic centre of Penzance and was used as a starting point for the Beating of the Bounds ceremonies in the 1800s.
- The cross was buried and forgotten after the road was resurfaced, but has now been rediscovered and recorded by local archaeologists.
- An archaeological report is being written to add the Borough Cross to Cornwall Council’s Historic Environment Record, ensuring its protection for future generations.
Introduction to the Discovery
The town of Penzance in Cornwall has made a remarkable discovery, uncovering a piece of its history that dates back 200 years. Workers from Wales & West Utilities stumbled upon a large granite cross while carrying out excavations for a gas pipe replacement in Greenmarket. The cross, known as the Borough Cross, marks a vital piece of history for the town and has been hidden beneath the road’s surface for centuries. According to local historian and author Linda Camidge, the discovery is a significant find, shedding new light on the town’s rich history.
The History of the Borough Cross
The Borough Cross has a fascinating history, dating back to 1614 when King James I granted a Charter to Penzance. The boundaries of the borough were drawn up as a circle radiating half a mile from the ancient Market Cross, which stood in the Greenmarket. In 1687, four boundary stones were erected to mark these boundaries, two of which still remain today. In 1829, the Market Cross was moved to make way for road widening, and the Borough Cross was embedded into the ground to retain a marker for the historic centre of Penzance. The cross was used as a starting point for the Beating of the Bounds ceremonies, where the mayor would stand on the cross before leading a civic procession to the boundary stones.
The Discovery and Recording of the Borough Cross
The discovery of the Borough Cross was made possible by the gas pipe replacement works, which exposed some of the granite. Local archaeologist Tom Goskar was alerted, and he contacted Wales & West Utilities, who put their protocol for historical discoveries into place. Peter Dudley from Cornwall Council’s historic environment planning team and Jake West, an archaeologist from Dalcour Maclaren, were also involved in the process. The cross was carefully measured, photographed, and recorded, and a 3D scan was created from survey photographs. The cross was then covered in a thick layer of plastic to protect it and reburied, with a survey nail placed into the road surface to mark its location.
Preservation and Protection of the Borough Cross
The discovery of the Borough Cross has sparked a new effort to preserve and protect the historic site. An archaeological report is being written to add the cross to Cornwall Council’s Historic Environment Record, ensuring that contractors for future roadworks are aware of its existence and location. This will help to protect the cross and prevent any accidental damage or destruction. The report will contain detailed information about the cross, including its history, location, and significance. The 3D scan of the cross will also be made available, providing a digital record of this important historical artifact.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The discovery of the Borough Cross is a significant find for the town of Penzance, shedding new light on its rich history. The efforts of local archaeologists, historians, and council officials have ensured that the cross has been recorded and protected for future generations. The creation of a 3D scan and the addition of the cross to the Historic Environment Record will help to preserve its history and significance. As the town continues to grow and develop, it is essential that its historic sites, like the Borough Cross, are protected and preserved, allowing future generations to appreciate and learn from its rich history.