212 



Notes on the Ancient Crosses of Gloucestershire, continued. By Charles 

 PooLEY, Esq., of Weston-Super-Mare. 



Preaching Cross at Iron Acton. 



Iron Acton lies about three miles west of SodLury, and twenty-three 

 south of Gloucester. It is said to owe its name to a bed of iron ore, 

 worked from time immemorial, in the neighbourhood ; and to a forest 

 of oaks which flourished on the same spot, — 'Kc: Sax., signifying an oak 

 tree. Instead of this derivation, it is far more likely the manor took its 

 title from the family of the Actons or Actunes, into whose possession it 

 came soon after the Norman Conquest. John de Acton was seized of 

 this manor in the beginning of the reign of Henry III., and it appears 

 by a record of 15th Ed. I., that he and his ancestors enjoyed this, time 

 out of mind. A lineal descendant of John de Acton, Sir John de Acton, 

 died seized of this manor, 17th Ed. III., but, be it remarked, left no 

 issue. 



The Cross is situated in the churchyard, on the north side of the church. 

 Lysons, who has etched it, concludes it to be of the time of Hen. VI.* 

 Bigland, (created Garter Principal King of Arms, A.D. 1780,) connects 

 the date of the Cross with that of the church, which he refers to the 

 fifteenth century. He describes it thus : — "The Cross has fom- sides, on 

 each side two shields, one or two of which are plain, two or three seem 

 to have mechanical instruments, such as hatchets, &c., carved on them, 

 but those which had arms are obliterated. "t This, however, is not the 

 case, since, with the exception of being somewhat weather-worn, and 



* Etcliings of Views and Antiquities in the County of Gloucester, by Samuel 

 Lysons. 1791. A Collection of Gloucestershire Antiquities, by Samuel Lysons, 

 F.R.S., F.S.A. 1804. 



t Historical, Monumental, and Genealogical Collections, relative to the County 

 of Gloucester. Printed from the Original Papers of the late Ealpli Bigland, Esq., 

 Gai-ter Principal King of Arms. London. 1791. 



