Yeovil's Virtual Museum

head of a cross

13th century churchyard cross?

 

In 1854 the Chantry next to the tower of St John's church was demolished in order to increase the churchyard space for burials. and was rebuilt in 1855 in its present position opposite the west door of St John's church.

During the demolition of the Chantry a fine carved head of a cross, probably a thirteenth century churchyard cross, was found built into the wall. It is possible that the cross was in the churchyard of the parish church that preceded the present St John's church.

The cross head is now kept in the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Ghost in Higher Kingston with a facsimile, photographed below, mounted on a shaft in front of the church.