The Mercat Cross, Banff Location: Plain Stones, Banff OS Map Reference: NJ689 639 Date: 16th cent- 20th cent Description: Scheduled, Category A Listed,Site of Regional Significance. The cross depicts the Crucifixion on one side and on the other the Virgin and Child. The Mercat Cross originally stood where the Biggar fountain now stands, but because of it's size and it's interference with the traffic was removed in 1767 and custody given to the Earl of Fife, who erected the capital on top of a dovecote at NJ682 632. In 1900 the cross was restored within the bounds of the burgh, and in 1994 an exact replica of the 16th century cross, polychromed as it would originally have been, was placed on its 17th century shaft, and restored to almost it's original location. The original carving was placed in Banff Museum. The Reformation in Scotland was begun by John Knox in 1541, and eventually led to a widespread destruction of artworks and manuscripts by iconoclasts. The Mercat Cross survived and was given a new shaft in 1627. It is a rare survival of such overtly religious pre reformation work. Related Information: Era: 1500s Settlement: Banff Town: County: Banffshire Information Source: Related Artefacts: Stuart Royal Arms, Banff Madonna, Banff Categories: Important Historic Town Crosses, Fountains, Armorial, etc. Iconography: cross, Roman mother and child religious figure human figure Creator: External Links: