Survey Data
Reg No
13826008
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Artistic, Historical, Social
Original Use
Monument
In Use As
Monument
Date
1920 - 1940
Coordinates
305901, 295274
Date Recorded
06/07/2005
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding crucifix, erected c. 1930, on south-east of raised circular grass area bounded by random rubble stone walling. Ashlar limestone pedestal, marble plaque to south with inscription "This Crucifix is erected in public homage to our Divine Redeemer, by Sir Henry Bellingham Baronet, in pious memory of his beloved wife, CONSTANCE, daughter of Charles 3rd Earl of Gainsborough and also of those Benefactors in this Parish, who have also fallen asleep in Christ". Pedestal surmounted by timber crucifix with painted stone sculpture of Christ. Crucifix covered by pitched timber lead-capped roof with painted timber decorative bargeboards.
Appraisal
This memorial to Constance Bellingham, erected by Henry Bellingham, stands on an elevated site at the principal entrance to Bellingham Castle. It is a simple Christian monument of the universally understood crucifixion of Christ, set on a finely carved limestone pedestal. The mound on which it is located was the site of a royal oak, planted by Thomas Bellingham in 1693, which was blown down in 1902 and from which the cross was fashioned. The monument is important for these associations with the historical context of Castlebellingham.