One of Bolton’s most historic assets has been completely rejuvenated by the council ahead of the festive shopping season.
The Market Cross at the entrance to Churchgate has been on the site since 1482, making it one of the oldest heritage monuments in the town centre.
Erected first in gilded iron, the version seen today was commissioned in 1909 with three bronze plaques around the base of the cross detailing the history of Bolton.
The cross, which had become badly weathered over the last 15 years, has been repainted and worked on by a specialist team from the Council’s Highways Department.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub, said:
“When I took on the position as the Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, I knew there were some smaller heritage projects that I wanted to deliver, as well as the larger cultural events.
“One of them was to get the steam engine at Oxford Street working again, which we have done, but another was the cross at Churchgate.
“I remembered that it used to be a shining gold colour, but over the years, the paint has faded so was no longer looking its best.
“The cross is not only a memorial of the rich history of the town, but also an important symbol of the Christian faith, so I want to thank our officers who carried out this work.”