Ancient borough Cross Uncovered During Penzance Gas Works
Penzance, Cornwall – A meaningful piece of Cornish history was unexpectedly revealed during recent gas works in Penzance.The borough Cross, marking the original center of the town, was discovered and carefully documented before being reburied for protection.
Dalcour Maclaren, the company undertaking the gas works, agreed to halt work while archaeologist Jake West formally recorded the cross. Cornwall’s cross specialist, Andrew Langdon, who has lectured at Penlee House Gallery & Museum, was also present to assist.
Following meticulous measurement, photography, and recording, the cross was covered with plastic and reburied. Surveyors pinpointed the cross’s centre,marking the location with a survey nail embedded in the road surface as a permanent,albeit subtle,reminder.
cornwall Council is now compiling an archaeological report to add the Borough Cross to its Historic Surroundings Record (HER). This will ensure future roadwork contractors are aware of the cross’s existence and location, guaranteeing its preservation.
A 3D scan of the Borough Cross, created from survey photographs by Mr. Goskar, is available to view online: https://sketchfab.com/…/4111686cd4e743e2879ec3b63…/embed.
The ancient Market Cross, a related historical marker, remains on display outside Penlee house Gallery & Museum.