Wantage Monument Cross, follies and folly towers at follytowers.com (original) (raw)
In the same part of the world as Faringdon Tower, but offering a better view, you will find the memorial cross to Robert Loyd Lindsay. Who was he you ask ?
Red Cross
Well he was one of the founders of the Red Cross and his memorial is to be found high on the Ridgeway above the town he took his name from, Wantage, when he became Lord Wantage in 1885.
The marble cross was raised by his wife on his death in 1901, he having died 8 days after he had attended the funeral of Queen Victoria. The cross is to be found east of the junction with the B4494, about a quarter of a mile from the road.
Wantage
Lord Wantage was the provider of the statue of King Alfred which is to be found in the market place of Wantage, the nearest town. His Lordship was also a distinguished soldier, being the first person to win a VC in the Crimean War.
The cross sits on a raised stone base with steps up to it, this itself being built on a Bronze Age round barrow.
Unfortunately the marble base now bears a lot of graffiti scratched into its surface and cracks are appearing.
Visiting:-
Access is easily obtained, as the long distance Ridgeway path runs alongside, the cross being a convenient place to pause for a break.
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