It's a mistake to put cross on stone
YOUR report last week of North Herts District Council s Royston area committee under the heading Roysia stone may get missing cross needs a comment. It is most unlikely that the stone was the base of a cross. The shallow indentation is no mortice to t
YOUR report last week of North Herts District Council's Royston area committee under the heading "Roysia stone may get 'missing' cross" needs a comment.
It is most unlikely that the stone was the base of a cross.
The shallow indentation is no mortice to take a heavy superstructure. Also, I am not aware of any evidence in records.
These stones are not uncommon and are called plague stones or market stones, so named because vinegar was placed in the shallow saucer on the top of the stones for cleaning money at the times of plague.
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There are several examples in other parts of the country.
It is no surprise that one should be found here in Royston as they were part of the market culture of the time.
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If there is spare money it would be better spent on correcting the noticeboard on The Cross.
PETER KETTERINGHAM
President
Royston & District Local History Society
