On Tuesday 13th of October 2026 we had a Sandwich Filler Talk given by Richard Croft titled Eleanor of Castile and the Eleanor Crosses.
A very interesting and informative talk in which Richard gave us the family history of Eleanor, and detailed the reason for the Crosses and where they were placed then, and what remains of them now. The Crosses ran from Harby near Lincoln down to Charing Cross in London, a total of 12.
Eleanor was taken ill in France but died in Harby, Lincoln and was to be buried in London, they set off on the 4th of December 1290, and each Cross marks the over night stop of the cortege carrying the body on the journey to London. Over 730 years later the Crosses have suffered from the acts of wars, weather and road works. The ones that still stand have major restoration. Many now only have a plaque to show where they once stood.
The talk was well attended and enjoyed by all. Richard requested a pork pie in lieu of the traditional cake, he also signed the “apron”.
Many thanks for your excellent talk, Richard, and hope to hear from you in the future.
