The Northampton Eleanor Cross is an extremely important piece of British history, constructed over 700 years ago in the year 1291, to mark one of the twelve stopping points of the funeral cortege of Queen Eleanor of Castile, wife of King Edward I. The Cross near Delapre Abbey, is now in need of restoration work.
I am concerned about the condition of this heritage monument and I therefore wrote some time ago to both Historic England (HE) and to the Northampton Borough Council (NBC) to register my concerns and seek attention for the Cross. Repair works were subsequently agreed. Historic England are providing a funding grant covering half of the cost of the repairs.
You can read more about this by clicking on the following link: https://www.michaelellis.co.uk/news/michael-intervenes-help-save-queen-eleanor-cross.
The importance of the Cross coupled with its current state means it is crucial that work to repair the cross starts as soon as possible. This is why I recently wrote again to the Leader of NBC Councillor Jonathan Nunn to seek an update. Shortly after my letter, on Thursday 16th August, NBC announced they are taking the following steps.
NBC have now appointed a Specialist Lead Consultant and an expert team of heritage conservators to professionally review what specific work needs to be undertaken on the Eleanor Cross.
This specialist team will inspect the Cross in early September and, after the necessary repairs have been identified, a detailed schedule of works will be prepared to complete the repairs to the Cross - with the aim of doing the work this autumn.
I am pleased that progress is being made to protect this important piece of Northampton history and I will continue to keep an eye on further developments.