NGR SD 9146 2782. Mount Cross, also known as ‘Idol Cross’ and ‘Stiperden Cross’, stands at the southern edge of Stansfield Moor, 2 miles north of Cornholme close to the Long Causeway, Todmorden. The ancient cross is located near Kebs Road to the east of Lower Mount Farm. It is a 5-foot-high free-standing cross although some stones are wedged in at the base to stop it from falling over – the wheel head measures 65cm by 38cm in diameter. Although the carvings on the cross are quite worn there are traces of roll-moulding, vine scrolls and also what may be an incised calvary cross.

The cross, now a registered ancient monument, is thought by some historians to date back to the 7th century AD when it was used as a preaching cross by St Paulinus; the general consensus is that it dates from the 10th or 11th century. It was discovered buried beneath The Great Bridestones to the south-east – a place that was associated with pre-Christian pagan practices; this is perhaps why Mount Cross has also been connected with the same sort of goings on and why it has often been called a “Rude Stone” although in Christian times a “Rood Cross”. The monument lies on an old causeway that links both Yorkshire and Lancashire, so it would have also made a good marker stone or guidepost for travellers crossing the moors. Mount Cross is said to be the oldest religious monument in the Todmorden area.

Copyright © Ray Spencer, The Journal of Antiquities, 2012 (updated 2024).