Monumental job nearly complete

Hereford’s historic Whitecross monument is about to reappear from behind hoarding and scaffolding when a new cross is lowered into place on Monday next week, May 22.

The cross is identical to the original medieval cross which was damaged when it was hit by a car in October 2004.

Herefordshire Council’s Property Services team has been working closely with English Heritage to return the Scheduled Ancient Monument back to its original glory.

During the accident the hexagonal base of the monument moved and damage was caused to the foundation.

“This was a very complicated repair job as the base of the monument had to be lifted to allow a new foundation to be created,” said Colin Birks, Herefordshire Council’s Property Services Manager.

“Once this was done and the base positioned on the new foundation, we then had to agree the type of stone we could use to recreate the cross as the original was shattered in the accident,” he added.

The new cross is due to be lowered into place at 2pm on Monday, May 22, after which security checks will be made prior to the dismantling of the scaffolding, removal of the hoarding, and maintenance carried out to the grass and flowers on the island.