Hardingstone Eleanor Cross

The Eleanor Cross at Hardingstone in the south part of Northampton is one of three surviving examples. Originally there were 12 elegant crosses, erected by Edward I along the route of the funeral procession of the late queen Eleanor, in 1290. She died when 47 years old and was carried from Harby in Nottinghamshire to Westminster Abbey, where she was eventually buried in a magnificent tomb. The original 12 Eleanor crosses were placed at Lincoln, Grantham, Stamford, Geddington, here in Northampton - as she had laid overnight in Delapre Abbey - Stony Stratford, Woburn, Dunstable, St Albans, Waltham, West Cheap in the City of London, and finally at the royal mews at Charing (Charing Cross). The Cross has recently been the subject of an excellent restoration project.