Ochiltree, Market Cross
Market Cross (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Ochiltree, Market Cross
Classification Market Cross (Period Unassigned)
Canmore ID 43628
Site Number NS52SW 3
NGR NS 50812 21187
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/43628
- Council East Ayrshire
- Parish Ochiltree
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Cumnock And Doon Valley
- Former County Ayrshire
NS52SW 3 50812 21187
(NS 5081 2118) Cross (NAT)
OS 25" map (1959)
Ochiltree market cross bears an inscription stating that it was renovated in 1897. Though Small states that the shaft is apparently old, the ONB mentions that it was erected by the villagers about 1836. The shaft, which supports a gas lamp, is square at base with chamfered corners, and stands on three steps, noted by Smith as worn to shreds, but renewed in 1897. Murdoch states that the cross is mentioned in 1513 and in 1666.
J W Small 1900; Name Book 1856; J Smith 1895; A Murdoch 1921
A square stone shaft with chamfered corners, 1.8m high and 0.2m thick stands on a pedestal consisting of three square blocks in step formation; the whole is surmounted by a disused gas bracket. Neither the shaft nor the base shows any signs of antiquity. No information was obtained regarding the earlier cross, which doubtless occupied the same site, on the earlier base.
Visited by OS (JFC) 21 June 1954
The cross is generally as described in the previous field report and, as stated, it retains no parts of genuine antiquity. A plaque at the base of the pedestal states: 'This cross which was renovated in commemoration of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897, was again restored by Cumnock and Doon Valley District Council in the Year of the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II 1977'.
Visited by OS (JRL) 18 October 1981