King Edward was heart broken when his beloved wife, Eleanor of Castile died in 1290 at Harby near Lincoln. During the next 5 years he had 12 crosses made and erected at each of the places they rested overnight when he brought her body back to London fro burial at Westminster. Only three crosses remain. One of these is in front of Charing Cross Station. Although this was restored by the Victorians and is more lavish than the original. It has undergone a recent restoration with the scaffolding only being removed in the last month.
12 comments:
You take me back to my childhood.
I'd forgotten this in between.
Lucy
Yed, indeed, it is lavish as well as beautiful and intricate. How strong was that love...oh, my!
That's so romantic!! Sad... but romantic!
Now that's love! What gorgeous details!
We always hears stories about Royalty marrying for duty and power, I love hearing the tales of love and romance.
That's a beautiful structure!
Having a monument dedicated 700+ years down the road is impressive. Still, yet another reminder that we should show our love and appreciation while people are still alive...
Very sweet story and a beautiful structure!
When you say it is more lavish than the original you may have underestimated the mediaeval taste for painting things a bit gaudy. These crosses were well and truly plastered with bright paint so you couldn't miss them.
They've done a great job with it haven't they - they must have wiped away a hundred years of grime there...
I visited Charing Cross when I was in London last and was disappointed to see the scaffolding :-(
I should digg your post therefore other folks are able to look at it, really helpful, I had a tough time finding the results searching on the web, thanks.
- Thomas
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