Scottish Market Crosses: The Development of a Risk Assessment Model
by Dr. Lindsey J Thomson
Contents
Abstract
• What is a market cross?
• The need for research
• Research aims and methodology
• References
• How to contact me
Abstract
The project was being undertaken as a PhD research degree with the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. The School of Surveying and the Masonry Conservation Research Group each funded half of the Studentship, but the work was undertaken from the point of view of an archaeologist. Historic Scotland are collaborating in the project as external advisors.
The project assessed the condition and analysed the erosion and conservation of Scottish market crosses, and recommended management strategies based upon a risk assessment. In order to monitor the condition of such monuments, an effective mapping methodology was developed. This could be applied to recording the condition of stone surfaces on other similar monument and building types. The collected data was analysed and a 'risk assessment model' developed for Scottish market crosses. The research commenced in November 1996 and the PhD was completed by September 2000.
The thesis is entitled: "Scottish market crosses: The development of a risk assessment model.
What is a market cross?
Historically, the market cross (Scots = 'mercat' cross) was the symbol of a burgh's right to trade and was located centrally in the town's market place. Documentary evidence suggests that this monument type existed by at least the 12th century in Scotland, although it is thought that these early examples were wooden. Many of the standing examples date from the 16th and 17th century, but there are also several more elaborate Victorian examples. Some burghs are recorded as having more than one market cross according to the produce sold around their base (eg - the 'Fish Cross' and 'Flesh Cross' in Aberdeen). Documentary evidence, particularly in town council records, also refers to all manner of announcements, celebrations and grizzly punishments carried out at the market cross, prompting Small (1900, 5) to describe their site as 'the dreaded theatre of public punishment and shame'! Today they are a symbol of the burgh's heritage, often seen, little contemplated.
Morphologically, the essential element of the market cross is not a cross, but a shaft crowned with an appropriate heraldic or religious emblem. Heraldic beasts (eg the unicorn), armorial bearings and sundials are popular subjects of sculpture for the capital and finial of market crosses. Few actual cross-shapes appear as finials, and where they occur they tend to be stylised. Typically, the earlier, more simple constructions consist of a polygonal shaft with capital and finial, rising from a solid, stepped base (see drawing above). Some of the later examples are more elaborate, according to the available funding within the burgh for their construction. There are five standing examples of the round tower-based type. These consist also of a shaft crowned with capital and finial, surmounting an understructure which can be in the form of either an open, vaulted understructure (see photo below), or a tower with internal stairs providing access to an elevated, parapeted platform. Later, Victorian examples (see drawing below) are often based upon a square-shaped pedestal, sometimes tiered, and usually with quite elaborate carving. All of these types tend to be of sandstone.
Geographically, market crosses are situated in many town centres in mainland Scotland, with a distribution that tapers to the north and west, according to the existence historically of burghs. There are around 126 standing examples in Scotland. While market crosses are found in other parts of Britain, the architecture of the Scottish examples tends to differ from these in form, style and iconography.
The need for research
The market cross today is frequently still located in town centres and has thus been vulnerable to a range of damage types, including human agencies such as vandalism, re-siting, and motor vehicle and atmospheric pollutants generally. Many market crosses have been destroyed or moved around, sometimes to inappropriate sites, over the years in the name of urban redevelopment, and past conservation measures have often resulted in further damage. The deterioration in their condition has been shown lately by the number of projects involving their repair. Relatively little synthesised study has been undertaken on the subject of market crosses since Small presented his catalogue of these with an introduction exploring their history and stylistic development in 1900. Market crosses are not included in the current research being undertaken by Historic Scotland into the decay of carved stone surfaces in Scotland and there is thus an urgent need to review the management strategy for this monument type.
Until recently, the survey of historic buildings and monuments was concerned more with recording architectural form than the condition of stone surfaces. While contemporary conservation records are now attempting to remedy this through more detailed description and an increased level of photography, there are generally no mapped illustrations to detail the forms and distributions of decay interpreted across the stone surfaces.
Detailed records from close-range examination of the condition of individual stones in a representative sample of Scottish market crosses allows a greater understanding of the decay processes, and provides a visual record of applied conservation measures, and will also enable future monitoring of decay rates. The research involved examining variables similar to Fitzner's classification and mapping technique(1993), but additionally explored diachronic elements, taking into account the role of changing structural and environmental factors for each market cross. The distribution of various types and intensities of weathering and soiling across their stone surfaces was interpreted and mapped in an interactive and easily 'readable' visual format. The model constructed from an analysis of the collected data enabled future predictions to be made regarding the dynamics of their condition in various environments, and allowed the definition of criteria for gauging when intervention is required. Ultimately, it is hoped that this model will be heeded so that the future management of such monuments might be better informed.
Research aims and methodology
1. To develop a method for mapping stone surfaces, in order to record the nature and level of their decay
Methodology:
• Methods used elsewhere for recording the condition of stonework on recent fieldwork projects will be evaluated, and suitable method(s) for this project will subsequently be proposed
• A pro-forma and electronic data-base will be designed for storing and interrogating the collected data
• Fieldwork will be undertaken to gather current and historic data regarding monument condition and environment, for a selected, representative sample of market crosses
• The effectiveness of the developed method(s)will be evaluated following the fieldwork
• An effective means of visual presentation will be developed for the interpreted data (ie using CAD/GIS)
2. To establish a record of the current condition of a representative sample of market crosses in Scotland
Methodology:
• A representative sample of Scottish market crosses will be selected, based upon archived data, with regard to aspects such as stone-type, environment, geographical location and history of intervention
• Fieldwork will be undertaken to record in detail the current condition of each monument within this sample
• An archive will be compiled, consisting of the my own drawings, photographs and collected data values; this will be stored electronically in a data-base, as well as in original paper format
3. To assess the extent to which market crosses are at risk from weathering and human agency
Methodology:
• The extent of damage to the sampled monuments, and to this monument class in general, will be investigated based upon the gathered data
• The data will be further analysed to identify trends in the possible causes of decay, with regard to the recorded variables (eg - how does differential erosion relate to factors such as aspect or proximity to passing motor vehicles?)
• The gathered data of current condition will be compared with evidence from the past (eg old photographs), with a view to gauging the rates of decay
• Similar studies of factors contributing to degradation will be evaluated
• The effectiveness of relevant conservation methods will also be assessed
4. To propose effective strategies for the care of Scottish market crosses, based upon a risk assessment model
Methodology:
• A predictive model of the decay of various stone surface types for market crosses in various environments will be developed, based upon analysis of the gathered data
• The levels and methods of management of the crosses in the past and present will be assessed
• A list of criteria will be drawn up for gauging when intervention is required for the long-term benefit of the monuments
• Appropriate management strategies and conservation methods will be suggested for the future
References
Fitzner, B., Heinrichs, K. and Kownatzki, R. (1993). Classification and Mapping of Weathering Forms. Proc Seventh International Congress on the Deterioration and Conservation of Stone, LNEC, Lisbon, 1992, 957-68.
Small, J.W. (1900). Scottish Market Crosses. E. Mackay, Stirling.
Thomson, L.J. (2000). Scottish market crosses: The development of a risk assessment model. PhD Thesis. The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland.
Thomson, L.J. and D.C.M. Urquhart (1998). Scottish Mercat Croces. Their spiritual and secular significance. In: J.M. Fladmark (Ed.). Proceedings of the Robert Gordon University Heritage Convention. Aberdeen, UK. 1998. pp 461-472. ISBN 1-873394-24-1
Thomson, L.J. and D.C.M. Urquhart (1999). Scottish market crosses: Towards the development of a risk analysis model. In: Aspects of Stone Weathering, Decay and Conservation. M.S. Jones & R.D. Wakefield (eds.), Proceedings of Swapnet 1997. At, The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK, 15-17th May 1997. Imperial College Press, pp 138-146.
How to contact me
Email: m.young@rgu.ac.uk
Tel: 01224 263710
Mail: Masonry Conservation Research Group
Scott Sutherland School
The Robert Gordon University
Garthdee Road
Aberdeen AB10 7QB
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