This ‘plague stone’, as it's called, is actually a type of medieval cross (such as you find at butter-crosses). It must have been broken at same point, as they were normally much taller.
This particular marker at Leek was used by people during the medieval Black Death; they would leave food here for the dying and infected so that they did not have to come in contact with them.
This particular marker at Leek was used by people during the medieval Black Death; they would leave food here for the dying and infected so that they did not have to come in contact with them.
I was surprised that it stands in such an incongruous place – just outside the Birchall Playing Fields at Leek. But, maybe this is the original spot on which it stood. Maybe.
However, the plaque on the modern base in front of it (which told its story) has disappeared. As you can see.
What a cool story about this stone! I have never heard of such a thing. I'm glad that the stone is still there and that you have documented its history.
ReplyDeleteIn Tavistock Devon there is an old oak tree which was also the spot where provisions were left during the plague.
ReplyDeletealso these places were often by a wll or spring so they could get food and fresh water too as at Mompessons well at Eyam
ReplyDelete