Cross at All Saints Church, Walsall
The monument includes the foundations, steps, socket stone, shaft, knop and ball finial of a standing cross of red sandstone, located in the churchyard of All Saints church, approximately 8 metres south of the porch of the same church. The cross, which is Listed Grade II, is of stepped form and principally medieval in date, with some later additions.
The two steps are square in plan, with the bottom step measuring 2.33 metres wide, and at least 0.23 metres high. It is partially bonded to the foundations with mortar. The top step measures 1.64 metres wide, and is at least 0.23 metres high. The socket stone measures 0.97 metres wide, and is at least 0.42 metres high. The squared end of the shaft is morticed into the socket. The shaft rises through chamfered corners to a tapering octagonal section. The knop and the ball finial head are early C20th additions. The full height of the cross is over 3 metres.
The path, where it falls within the monuments protective margin, is excluded from the the Scheduling, although the ground beneath it is included.
This cross is a good example of a medieval standing cross with a square stepped base and socket stone. Situated in a prominent position close to the south entrance of the church, it is believed to stand in or near its original position. the majority of the cross survives from the medieval period, and the subsequent restoration of the head illustrates the continued function of the cross as a public monument.