By DAVID COULTER

Last updated at 12:28, Friday, 12 March 2010

AN HISTORIC monument is to be uprooted – so it can be viewed by more visitors.

Grubby: The Derwentwater Cross is in urgent need of repair.

The Derwentwater Cross, which is positioned on the edge of the A686 near Langley, will move across the busy road so tourists can stop and read the inscription on the monument.

In its present position, it is difficult for vehicles to park up and view the cross.

Talks have now started between its owner Tom Bates, of Nilston Rigg, Langley, and the Fifteen, the Northumbrian Jacobite Society, to move and restore it.

The cross was erected in 1883 to commemorate the beheading of the 3rd Earl of Derwentwater James Radcliffe in 1716, and his brother Charles, the 5th Earl, 30 years later.

It is one of just two monuments in the UK which commemorated either brother, and was given to Mr Bates by his ancestor Cadwallader John Bates.

Mr Bates’ wife Jane said that the condition of the Derwentwater Cross had deteriorated significantly and it was time to preserve it.

It was so dirty that visitors who actually managed to view it could not read what was written on it.

Mrs Bates said: “We are looking into finding the best way to move it to a better site.

“It is so wasted where it is because nobody can stop to read it. It is not in a suitable place and we are going to take action.

“It is also very dirty and needs to be cleaned. It would be interesting for a stonemason to get in touch to undertake work on one of the only Jacobite monuments in the country.”

Chairman of the Northumbrian Jacobites John Nicholls said that it was important to restore the ancient cross.

He said: “Our society is now in its 10th year and we hope to do something to preserve the cross which, all would agree, is in a state of decline.

“Just to be able to discuss the issue with Mr Bates is surely a step in the right direction.

“We have much to learn from him and we would like to work with him to secure its future, whatever that might be.”

The Bates family would be keen to speak to any stonemasons interested in undertaking the preservation work. The cross is cast in iron on a base of stone.

They can be contacted on (01434) 684321.

First published at 09:42, Friday, 12 March 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk