An unsuspecting stone monument stands upon the southwest side of the A684 road at the
boundary between the parishes of Crakehall and Bedale. Often dubbed the ‘White Cross’, yet
thousands of unknowing eyes glance upon it every day.
A round stone socket supporting a portion of a plain stone cross shaft, its specific purpose is still undetermined, but the most common suggestion is that it marks the site of a medieval cattle market. Historical records indicate that Bedale hosted a significant market during that period, and the proximity of the cross to this area supports the notion that it may have served as a boundary or meeting point for such activities.
Or, it may have held a bleaker purpose. A further suggestion is that it marked the spot where sales were effected between the inhabitants of neighbouring villages/towns and thus the exchange of goods occurred during the time of the Black Death in the 1340s. Leaving money in a bowl of vinegar, as it was believed that this would disinfect the coins and help prevent the spread of infection was one
method, whilst the Cross has also been associated with an alternate market site for Bedale during an outbreak of cattle disease about this time.
Now a Grade II Listed structure, it could be that the White Cross simply served as a wayside cross, providing guidance to travellers. Such crosses were commonly placed at crossroads or along significant routes to offer direction and reassurance to those journeying through the area. The precise origin and purpose of the White Cross remain subjects of debate among scholars.
Whether temporary markings or enduring monuments, it is evidence of the rich tapestry of history in North Yorkshire, reflecting the multifaceted roles that such monuments have played in community life over the centuries.
Address: Lane House, Great Crakehall, Bedale DL8 1HP
Books by Dr Emma Wells
