Melton Mowbray Town Estate

The Butter Cross or High Cross was in the Market Place and around it farmers wives sold their dairy products and eggs. After the Civil War (1642–51) banns of marriage were read on three successive Tuesdays from the steps of this Cross, after which the couple were married in the Market Place by the local magistrates, William Hartopp and Thomas Pochin. A total of 158 marriages are recorded. The Cross was removed in 1808 when it comprised five stone steps and a broken shaft.

On this site for many years the Annual Cheese Fair was held, when pyramids of Stilton Cheese stood in the Market Place. The Butter Market continued here until the First World War, after which it was moved to the Corn Exchange.

In 1986/87, to commemorate 900th anniversary of the Domesday Book, the Butter Cross was rebuilt using the original base of the Butter Cross. This base was found in St Mary’s Churchyard and the original ‘head’ is in safe keeping in the Church, where for many years it was used as a door-stop. It is believed the new Butter Cross has been erected on the same site as the Old Saxon Cross. A time capsule has been buried beneath the cross and it has been dedicated to Gilbert King, a past Townwarden and respected historian of the town.