The Village Cross was erected in 1893 at a cost of £44.12.0d. It weighs 19 cwt and is made of shap granite.
Rev. Philip Rudd, vicar of St. Cuthbert’s Church persuaded the villagers and local gentry that every village should have a cross marker and so a cross was commissioned. Designed by Middlesbrough architect Mr Bottomley who received 2 guineas for his service, the cross was erected on Billingham Green by Bowron’s stone and marble masons based on Yarm Lane, Stockton in 1893.
The story goes that the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, was to unveil the cross as he passed through the village on his way to Wynyard Hall. Crowds of people dressed in their Sunday best and waving flags turned up to watch the unveiling ceremony of their new Village Cross. The carriage procession swept through the village, and cheers could be heard as the Prince waved to the patriotic crowd. Unfortunately, the carriage continued onto Wynyard without stopping – no one had actually informed the Prince of his Royal engagement!
Did you know… The new cross replaced a decaying old oak cross which was said to mark the place where Cromwell’s men positioned and fired a cannon at St. Cuthbert’s Church, damaging the chancel.