Geddington Eleanor Cross

With rain forecast for most of the day we set out early this morning for a quick look at the village of Geddington, which lies on the A43 between Kettering and Corby.

The focal point of the village is the Eleanor Cross. The marriage of Eleanor of Castile to Edward I was a rare example of a union made initially for political reasons that became one of devoted love. When Eleanor died in 1290 at Harby in Nottinghamshire, the heartbroken king commenced a procession of Eleanor's body from Lincoln to Westminster. At each nightly resting place he ordered the construction of a memorial cross.

Twelve were built, the last of them being Charing Cross in London. Only three survive: Geddington, Hardingstone (Northampton), and Waltham Cross. The triangular Geddington cross, with its canopied statues is the best preserved of the three.

It is in a delightful spot, surrounded by thatched cottages, the parish church, a thirteenth century bridge and ford, and the very fine Star Inn. Sadly we were there too early today for the pub, but we have checked it out before.