Poultry Cross

At one time the Wiltshire city of Salisbury boasted four ornate crosses like this in the city centre, each of them denoting part of its market.
The city which retains much of its mediaeval architectural character, was first granted a charter by King Henry 111 to hold markets in 1227 and historic records show that in the 15th century there were four crosses.
This, the 15th century Poultry Cross, is the only one remaining and its name once described the type of market around it. Yet there were similar crosses denoting a cheese and milk section of the market, another marked a woolen market and yet a fourth marked the cattle and livestock area.
Yet ornate market crosses like this hold lots of historic value and some consider it a shame that only one remains in Salisbury. Yet it becomes a focal point for the city, although its flying buttresses were not added until the mid 19th century.

Today, the market stall at its base is traditionally devoted to fruit and vegetables, although is an extension of the main part of the twice weekly market held in the city’s Matket Place only a few steps away.