75 



In the year 1733, however, it was doomed to a reverse. A 

 silversmith who lived fronting it. out of enmity to this structure so 

 esteemed by others, offered to swear before the magistrates that in 

 every high wind his house and life were endangered, by the Cross 

 shaking and threatening to fall (though it was not generally believed), 

 and so requested its removal. On this pretence, and on the excuse 

 of its obstructing the road, by filling up the street, it was taken down 

 and thrown by in the GuUdhall as a thing of no value, though its 

 removal was generally regretted. For a long time it remained totally 

 disregarded, until, by the interposition of Alderman Price and a few 

 gentlemen, it was rescued from oblivion, and, with the approbation of 

 the Dean and Chapter, erected in the centre of College Green, where 

 it was viewed with pleasure by all, as a most curious piece of antiquity. 

 But in time the Cross lost that reverence and regard that had been 

 hitherto paid it throughout all ages, as in the year 1763 it was at 

 length found out that this beautiful structure, by intersecting one of 

 the walks, interrupted gentlemen and ladies from walking eight or ten 

 abreast. One Mr. Campion, a great projector, interested himself much 

 in its removal, and solicited subscriptions of money, to be laid out in 

 removing the Cross, and widening and rendering more commodious 

 the walks in College Green. 



The Dean and Chapter, on whose ground it was erected, gave leave 

 for its removal ; and many people who subscribed for widening and 

 improving the walks, subscribed also for rebuilding the Cross m any 

 unexceptionable place. But as it was thought no such place could 

 be found in Bristol, the money was spent solely in laying out the 

 walks. The Cross itself, rudely torn down and much injured by the 

 workmen employed, was thrown by in a corner of the Cathedral, 

 where, for a second time, it lay neglected, untU Dean Barton gave 

 it to Sir Richard Colt Hoare, of Stourton, who perceiving its 

 value, and out of a love for antiquities, erected it in a most superb 

 manner, at his elegant seat of Stourhead, at the expense of £300.* 



It will be observed that the date of the erection of the Cross is 

 referred to the year 1373. But in a M.S. Calendar allusion is made to 

 the High Cross in so distinct a manner as to leave no doubt the same, 

 or a similar structure, occupied the spot more than a century before. 

 The passage runs thus :-" Anno 1247. Now that the bridges went 

 happily forward, the townsmen on this side of Avon and those of 

 Redcliffe were incorporated, and became one town, which before was 

 two, and the two places of Markett brought to one, viz.-that at 



• I am infomed by Sir Henry Hoare that the Bristol High Cross was brought to Stourton 

 """"* ^ ■> jjj jjjg month of August, 176a.— t. r. 



