Queen Eleanor Cross

A beautiful hidden park in front of it on the other side of the road. It took me 10 years in Northampton to discover it. The monument is beheaded. I would like to know the name of the majestic tree facing it. Not many trees have purple leaves in May. Leaves are simple, elliptic, undulate margins... Copper beech is her name. In France the edible nut or masts are still sometimes roasted and used as a coffee substitute.

Tragically, this is cracked and crumbling away - so while there is still time to get a sense of this incredibly special monument, beware of pieces falling off when you visit. There is parking nearby on the roadside. Some special events and tours of the nearby Northampton battlefield site, Delapre Abbey and its grounds include this monument.

Superb monument of national significance. It is currently being conserved to retain vulnerable historic fabric.

Historical place Queen Eleanor Cross was erected in 1291-1294 it's one of the three left of 12 that were erected by King Edward I.It is centuries old and when you go to see it up close you will see how the stone that was built it's losing the edges and there is lots of writing around it probably just as old,so I think it's really precious and special. What a job it still standing gloriously after nearly 8 centuries. Loved it !

I mean… it’s a historical landmark and all plus don’t get me wrong, it’s a brilliant representation of Medieval English history, but it’s not protected by anything, no barriers etc. Although I’m happy it’s still standing after 700 years of life, it’s just not getting the treatment it deserves.

Cycling round Northampton like a yute, we took in the town's rich history. Truly Britain's greatest surprise.

Fascinating story and you would drive straight past without paying too much attention. Had to park in a residential street and take care crossing the busy road, but was our goal to visit the remaining memorials. Could do with a little more info when you get there, but happy to have visited

The Eleanor Cross at Hardingstone in the south part of Northampton is one of three surviving examples. Originally there were 12 elegant crosses, erected by Edward I along the route of the funeral procession of the late queen Eleanor, in 1290. She died when 47 years old and was carried from Harby in Nottinghamshire to Westminster Abbey, where she was eventually buried in a magnificent tomb. The original 12 Eleanor crosses were placed at Lincoln, Grantham, Stamford, Geddington, here in Northampton - as she had laid overnight in Delapre Abbey - Stony Stratford, Woburn, Dunstable, St Albans, Waltham, West Cheap in the City of London, and finally at the royal mews at Charing (Charing Cross). The Cross has recently been the subject of an excellent restoration project.