In the centre of the Market Place, surrounded by cobblestones, stands the Market Cross. The scheduled ancient monument probably lost its cross around the time of Cromwell. The steps are 17th Century or earlier, and the column and pedestal date from 1754. The Market Cross was restored in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. It used to be fitted with two ornamental lamps, which were removed in 1954. Replicas of these lamps were replaced in 2012.
Market Cross was an important site for auctions and announcing news. It was also a main coach stop. Our Town Crier still “cries” from this spot, and can be seen at all our festivals, and is often seen strolling along Garstang High St. on a Market Day.
