Tottenham High Cross

Tottenham High Cross was erected in Tottenham sometime between 1600 - 1609 on the site of an earlier Christian cross, although there is some speculation that the first structure on the site was a Roman Beacon or Marker, situated on low summit on Ermine Street. Tottenham High Cross is often mistakenly thought to be an Eleanor cross.

Related Topics:
Tottenham - 1600 - 1609 - Christian - Roman - Ermine Street - Eleanor cross

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On entering Tottenham, on the right from London, is to be seen the following inscription over eight alms-houses:?

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:1600.

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:Not vnto vs,

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:O Lord?

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:Not vnto vs?But

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:vnto thy name

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:give ye glorie.

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::Ps. 115, v. i.

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"Balthaza Zanchez, born in Spain, in the citie of Shere, in Estramadvra, is the fownder of these eyght Alma-Houses for the relieefe of eyght poore men and women of the Town of Tattenham High Crasse."

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The founder of these alms-houses, Balthazar Zanches, was confectioner to Philip II. of Spain, with whom he came over to England, and was the first who exercised that art in this country. He became a Protestant, and died in 1602. It is said that he lived in the house, now the George and Vulture Inn; at the entrance of which he had fixed the arms of England, in a garter, supported by a lion and griffin, and with the initials E.R.: over another door, 1587.

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Among the ancient possessors of the manor of Tottenham, was Robert Bruce, king of Scotland, from whom the Manor-House obtained the name of Bruce Castle, which it still retains.?At the end of Page Green stands a remarkable circular clump of elms, called the Seven Sisters; and on the west side of the great road is St. Loy's well, which is said to be always full, and never to run over; and opposite the vicarage house rises a spring, called Bishop's Well, of which the common people report many strange cures.

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