User:Rawlinsp/Sandbox-Gaveston

Gaveston's Cross is a Grade II listed monument commemorating the place where Piers Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall, was beheaded in 1312.

Construction
The sandstone memorial was erected in 1821 by Bertie Greatheed who owned the land and lived at Guys Cliffe, nearby. It consists of a square base which is approached by five steps, and carries four tall square-section columns. The columns support a high plinth with two more steps up to a heavy short cross. The whole monument is approximately 6m tall. A cast iron plaque mounted on the south face of the base bears the following inscription, written by Greatheed's friend Dr Samuel Parr, the Curate at Hatton. In the Hollow of this Rock, Was beheaded, On the 1st Day of July, 1312, By Barons lawless as himself, PIERS GAVESTON, Earl of Cornwall; The Minion of a hateful King: In Life and Death, A memorable Instance of Misrule.

Immediately to the south of the monument, there is a deep hollow in the bedrock which the inscription may relate to. The date of 1st July 1312 conflicts with other accounts which give Gaveston's death as 19 June 1312.

Location and Access
The monument is located in woodland on Blacklow Hill, between Leek Wootton and Warwick. It is adjacent to the A46 , on the west side of the road, just south of the junction with the A429. There is no public access to the monument, but it can be reached from the south end of "North Woodloes", proceeding into the field to the west, and following the left-hand edge of the field for about 150m to the woodland.

Bertie Greatheed
Bertie Greatheed was the son of Samuel Greatheed and Lady Mary Bertie, who was the daughter of Peregrine Bertie, 2nd Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven.