RESTORATION OF THE VILLAGE CROSS AT WASHINGBOROUGH.

This week a handsome new cross, to replace the ancient one which formerly rested upon the fine set of old steps still existing on the village green, been given by Miss Margaret Anne Curtois as a memorial to her mother, Mrs. Curtois, who lived at Washingborough Manor. The new cross is designed in the late 14th century period, and enough evidence was found to furnish a reliable guide as to the shape of the shaft for the new cross by what remained in the original top stone upon the steps in which the old cross had once stood. Nothing has been done to change the aspect of the old steps except to replace stones where absolutely necessary.

The new cross and shaft are of stately proportions, the total height, including the old steps, being about 18 feet. The shaft becomes slightly narrower as it nears the top, and its four corners have a hollow, fillet, and ogee moulding, which also is continued round the cross, and from which double cusping in the four inside corners is so arranged to admit of small pierced eyes which add much to the lightness in effect. The cusping terminates with leaf carving, and the top of the shaft immediately under the cross is finished with a deeply-moulded band with carving introduced. The stone used is Hepton Wood, specially chosen, and the surface his been so dressed as to leave the marks of the mason's chisel, thus allowing it to better harmonize with the existing old work.

Besides this interesting reconstruction of the village cross a beautiful marble tablet, 4ft. 6inby 2ft. 6in. in size, is placed in the south aisle of the Church, near where Mrs Curtois and her family sat for many years This tablet is executed in a fine piece of creamy statuary marble, with a handsome moulding three inches wide, of richly-veined Sienna marble of very finecolouring. Above the memorial inscription, which has engraved lettering of the 14th century period filled with lead, is a small inlaid cross of Siennamarble in a sunk quatrefoil. The wording is as fellows :-

In Loving Memory of
Ann Henrietta,
Widow of the Rev. Atwill Curtois,
of the Longhills, Rector of Branston.
Who for 28 years lived at Washingborough Manor.
till her death, Feb. 13, 1898, aged 69.
This Tablet was erected
and the Village Cross replaced
by her daughter, Margaret Anne Curtois.
1903.

"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross."

The memorials, which are most effective, were designed by a friend of the family and of the Rev. John Dudding, the Rector, Mr. Francis R. Jessop, of London. who for many years has had experience in architectural and ecclesiastical art. The work was carried out by Mr. Robert Davison of 182, Marylebone-road. London, in the most satisfactory manner. Mr. William Green, builder, of Washingborough, gave great assistance in helping to fix these memorials, which all feel areworthy of one who was held in such affectionate regard by everybody.