The term cross often refers to a building at a crossroads, but it’s origin is from the stepped crosses which allowed goods to be displayed for sale, often by country women. The cross was a reminder to behave honestly.

As trade increased, shelters were added to the crosses, then many were rebuilt bigger but to similar design, either by civic authorities in need of income from the tolls. Or, as here, as a memorial to local benefactor.

It seems the open, ground floor was the butter market till the 1930s and fire station whist upstairs was variously used as town hall, court room, lockup. Given that it’s in the centre if a busy roundabout, I was surprised to see an elderly couple with walking sticks enjoying their lunch there as they enjoyed the view.