Part of Cheapside with the Cross, &c. as they appeared in 1660

Cheapside and Cheapside Cross 1660. Harrison's History of London was published c.1770/75 but this may be from a later edition or separately reprinted. The Cross was built in 1290 by order of Edward I to mark one of the resting places of the coffin of his queen Eleanor. It was three storeys high and decorated with statues of the Pope, the Virgin and Child and the Apostles. In the 16th Century it was constantly attacked by Puritans until finally demolished in 1643 by workmen, protected by soldiers, 'to cleanse that great street of superstition'. The cross appears in the engraving, although it is said to show the market in 1660. 'Chepe' means 'market', and there is a long line of small lock-up shops against the tall houses on the far side of the street.