Cheapside Cross, alone

Cheapside Cross as it appeared on its erection in 1606, fron an original drawing in the Pepysian Library, Cambridge. Text reads: 'There were three crosses erected in Cheapside, at different periods, on the same site. The first or original cross was built by Edw.1 to the memory of his queen Elinor; but falling to decay a second or new cross was put up at the expence of the City in 1486. This elegant gothic structure stood until 1600, when it was replaced by the third or last cross, above represented, which was finally demolished by order of Parliament in 1643.' The engraving shows the cross as four storeys high and decorated with statues of the Pope and the Apostles. In the 16th Century it was constantly attacked by Puritans until finally demolished by workmen, protected by soldiers 'to cleanse that great street of superstition'.