On November 28th 1289, King Edward 1's beloved wife
and mother of their 13 children died in Lincoln, England. Distraught over
Eleanor’s death, the King had his wife’s body embalmed so it could be
transported to London for a burial fit for a Queen. He accompanied his wife’s body during the 12
day journey. At every overnight place of rest, the King ordered a wooden cross
be erected to remind the people of England to pray for their Queen. Later, those
wooden crosses were replaced by stone memorials.
Today, only three crosses remain – Geddington (Northamptonshire,)
Waltham Cross (Essex,) and Charing Cross (London.) The most spectacular cross was built in
marble by the best mason of the day. A rough replica stands before Charing
Cross station to this day.
