The Church of St. Peters Chester By Frank Simpson 1909

(G. R. Griffith Grosvenor St.)

The Ancient Cross formerly stood in front of the church door: the exact date of its erection is not known, but we find it mentioned as far back as 1488. It was of very fine design: the upper part formed twelve panels, six above and six below: in the panels were figures of saints. This portion measures (including the orb at the top) about 7 feet 4 inches in height, and the centre portion 92 inches in circum-ference; the stem and base probably measured about 8 feet in height, and the cross above the orb (which has entirely disappeared) about 12 inches, making a total height of about 16 feet. The Cross was regilded in 1529, and again in 1603. When the Parliamentary Army entered Chester, in February 1646, the Cross was thrown down, the figures were cut out, and other damage was done, in violation of the treaty of capitulation. At the time the steps of the church were reconstructed to face eastward, certain portions of the old Cross were found, and placed inside the church, by the west door. They were to be seen there as late as 1815, but during the same year they were given by the churchwardens to John Cotgreave, Esq., of Netherleigh, Eaton Road, Chester, who had them placed in the grounds of his residence. At a later period, the late Duke of Westminster became the owner of the property, and at the request of the Chester Archeological Society, ordered the removal of this upper portion of the Cross to the Grosvenor Museum, for safe keeping and with a view to its re-erection in the City. The pillar, or shaft, with a square base, was presented to the famous " Ladies of Llangollen," about 1817, and still remains in the grounds of that beautiful Welsh residence, " Plas Newydd," at Llangollen.