Oakham in history: Oakham Buttercross
A buttercross is a type of market cross associated with English market towns which dates from medieval times.
In Oakham, it used to be a hub, where people both from Oakham and the surrounding villages used to gather, selling their goods and produce. It is an octagonal structure with a pyramidal roof and stocks.
They can also be known as a butter cross or butter market and come in many different styles, from statues to wooden buildings or marquees, much like the one in Oakham.
One common feature is the circular steps at the base of the Buttercross, where produce - often dairy - was displayed for local people to purchase on market day.
Traditional markets are becoming less and less common, but in rural towns such as Oakham and Melton, the tradition is still going strong.
You can visit Oakham Market on Wednesday and Saturday at Oakham Market Place, while Art, Craft and Farmer's markets run on occasional Sundays throughout the year in Gaol Street.
Oakham Buttercross is small, much like the market town from where it originates, and can be found at the top of Oakham Market Place.
Most likely built in the mid to late 17th century, the Oakham Buttercross has been designated a Grade I listed building. Alongside the horseshoe, the buttercross has become a symbol of Oakham and Rutland. It is the photo of choice on many local postcards.
The Oakham Buttercross plaque reads: "Also known as the Market Cross where dairy products were sold at Oakham Market. It is shown on Speed's map of 1611 and may have been a preaching cross also. Its peculiar 5 hole stocks are a notable feature. There were at least four other crosses in Oakham."
If you Wikipedia 'Buttercross' and image of Oakham's very own Buttercross can be found at the top of the page.
View last week's history piece here and find out more about the Oakham level crossing signal box.
See you next week for our 'Oakham in history' feature!
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