A London monument whose history dates back over 700 years has been repaired and restored and can now be removed from the English Heritage At Risk register. EM Barry’s majestic and intricate memorial cross, which has adorned the forecourt of Charing Cross station for 145 years had, inevitably, suffered from city pollution and weathering. Over the past ten months, a team of master carvers and stonemasons have painstakingly cleaned, repaired and restored the ornament, stone floral decoration, statues and crests.The result is a gloriously refreshed monument which demands the attention of even the most distracted of commuters.
The Charing Cross was built as a replacement for the medieval cross erected by Edward I in memory of his beloved wife Queen Eleanor of Castile. The original was the final of twelve crosses built to mark the Queen’s funeral procession to Westminster Abbey and soon became the official epicentre of London, the point from which distances to and from the city were measured. Destroyed during the Civil War, the ornate Victorian replica, designed by EM Barry – also the architect of the Charing Cross hotel – is therefore located close to the site of the original.
Timothy Jones, English Heritage team leader for Westminster and West London, said: “Monuments such as the Charing Cross are a hugely important component of London’s heritage – an invaluable part of the city’s personality and interest – which allow visitors and Londoners alike a glimpse into the capital’s long, complex and fascinating history. Although not one of the original crosses created by Edward l for his beloved wife, Eleanor of Castile, this Victorian recreation is a fine example of architect EM Barry’s work, and we are delighted to see it so beautifully and carefully restored, and happily, it can now be removed from our Heritage at Risk Register.”
Robert Thornton, Network Rail’s principal architect, said: “London is a railway city. Since it arrived in the capital in 1836, communities and businesses have relied on rail to go about their daily lives and support the economy, which remains the case today. The Eleanor Cross represents part of London’s railway history, is a well-established landmark in the West End and something that should be preserved for future generations of residents and visitors.”
Adrian Paye, chief executive of specialist stone contractors PAYE, who executed the works, added: “It has been a pleasure to work on a structure of such high quality craftsmanship, and we are grateful that Network Rail gave us this opportunity. The skills needed to carry out intricate carved work to this standard are still available, but it is only through the continued training provided by institutions such as the City and Guilds of London Art School, where many of the masons trained, together with the support of clients committed to quality that this can be carried forward into the future.”
Source: English Heritage
Related posts: