The old Market Cross
Wigtown
Dumfries and Galloway
Wigtown lies about six miles South of Newton Stewart in the South West corner of Scotland. The small town is often referred to as the Gateway to the Machars, and is a welcome stopping off point of you're driving out towards the Isle of Whithorn and Port William a few miles to the South West.
The Old Market Cross can be found in the middle of a grassed area that is bounded by Main Street and the A714. It most likely dates from the middle of the 18th century, and stands to around ten feet high with a squared head with the markings for a sun dial on each face. It was significantly repaired in the 19th century, and suffered further damage in 1991. The cross was originally sited in front of the old court house, but was moved during the 19th century. It was, for a short while, housed in the town's jail, before being returned outside and put on view.
Built in 1818, it replaced an earlier church of which nothing now remains.
