With a naturally dry lair, and an unfailing supply of beautiful drinking water, the present market-place formed, no doubt at one time, part of the Saxon village green, with a draw well in the centre.

In 1315 Joan Driby, the then Norman owner, obtained from King Edward the Second, the right o hold two fairs of three days each, one in May and the other in September in each year.

The Market Cross, is dedicated to Saint Helen, the English Lady, who credited with having discovered, and afterwards re-erected the true cross at Jerusalem.

The annual fair now only lasts for one day; but it is still held on the anniversary of the ‘exaltation of the cross’ Holy Rood Day, - September the 25^th.

About 1440-1450, Ralph Baron Cromwell erected the present cross on the original site which was no doubt close to the old Saxon well.

There were no houses on the west side of the cross in those days.

The four steps (originally five), are now surmounted by a slender octagonal shaft crowned with the Tateshall, the Cromwell and the Deincourt Shields, alternating with the ‘Wild Men’, who were the Barons’s heraldic ‘Supporters’. The finial is modern.

The 15^th century fair would be opened with all the pomp and circumstances of mediaeval ritual. Booths were erected for foreigners in the market place; all places of business except the public houses were closed; no dangerous weapons were allowed, no lights were permitted after 8 o’clock; everything was bought and sold under the cross; and all lawful tolls and dues were to be paid to the Lord of the Manor.

There was a short shrift for any one selling under weight, and all were warned that both the pillory and whipping post were not very far away.

Nowadays Tattershall is a quiet little 15^th century market town, without a market; instead of a bull-ring, we have the grateful shade of some spreading chestnut trees; in place of strings of pack horses, we have a Free Parking Place; and in place of Saxon draw well, we have the Parish pump.

MICHAEL BROWN - CONINGSBY