Scheduled Monument: Butter Cross at Dunster (1014409)

The monument includes a medieval wayside cross shaft in its square socket stone standing on what appears to be a modern plinth. The whole stands on a raised knoll by the roadside to the north west of the town of Dunster. The knoll, which is included in the scheduling, stands c.1.5m above the surrounding land, and on this is a kerb of stones surrounding the plinth. The distance from the outer edge of the kerb to the base of the mound varies between 0.9m and 0.65m. The distance from the base of the plinth to the outer edge of the kerb is 1m. The plinth, which appears to be of modern construction, is 2.5m wide and 1m high. Above this is the socket stone which is square with chamfered top corners. On the north face it bears the inscription `WC,1871,WS' which probably records a restoration. The socket stone is 0.85m wide and 0.5m high. The shaft of the cross tapers slightly and survives to a height of 1.1m. It is square at its base where it joins the socket stone, becoming octagonal in section c.0.3m above the square socket. The simple socket and shaft is of 15th century type. It stands at a junction of four tracks within view of the church and is indicative of a wayside cross leading people towards the church. The cross is Listed Grade II* and is in the care of the Secretary of State.