Banbury Cross & The Fine Lady on a White Horse

 Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross

To see a fine lady upon a white horse

With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes

She shall have music wherever she goes

 

 

For many years Banbury had an ancient cross which gave birth to the world famous nursery rhyme.  In 1600, it was demolished by the Puritans.  This cross stood in the Market Place where it is now commemorated by a plaque.

 

In 1859 Banbury citizens decided to celebrate a royal marriage by erecting a new cross situated at its most prominent road junction which is with us today. 

 

  

 

 

      

A further Appeal to the Town’s citizens was made in 2002 and in 2005 the Fine Lady on a White Horse Statue was unveiled by HRH Princess Anne.  Sited on land in South Bar it overlooks Banbury Cross and has helped the nursery rhyme become a reality.   The Sculpture constructed in bronze was designed by Artcycle Ltd and sits on a plinth of local Hornton stone.

 

Each summer Banbury also celebrates the rhyme with the world’s only Hobby Horse Festival.  This identifies with the cockhorse in the nursery rhyme which is generally considered to be the hobby horse enjoyed by children of all ages.

 

 

 

 

 

Return to the previous page