Oakenshaw Cross

About Oakenshaw Cross

Oakenshaw Cross is a Grade II listed monument, originally erected in 1702 by Dr Richard Richardson. It is recognised on the National Heritage List for England, administered and managed by Historic England.

History and removal

The Cross was formerly located at the junction of Wyke Lane, Cross Street, and Sykes Lane in Oakenshaw. In recent years, it suffered repeated damage from vehicular strikes:

  • May 2021: First strike by an articulated lorry.
  • November 2021: Second strike, further damage sustained.
  • February 2022: Third strike by a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), causing considerable damage and creating a risk to road users.

Following these incidents, assessments concluded that the Cross could not be safely repaired in situ. For both highway safety and heritage conservation, the monument was removed and placed in secure storage.

Reinstatement options

SLC Property and Ecology Solutions were commissioned to review potential reinstatement sites. Three options were considered:

  • Original position in the middle of Wyke Lane.
  • Nearby grassy verge, on Cross Street just off Wyke Lane.
  • The Garden of Rest, Wyke Lane.

The review determined that reinstating the Cross within the highway was unsuitable. The preferred location is a grassed verge adjoining Cross Street, close to its original site. The proposal also includes:

  • Landscaping improvements.
  • Protection of the existing tree, services and substation.
  • Careful removal of remaining stones.
  • Tarmac reinstatement and lining works.

Design and consultation

Kirklees Council's Landscape Architecture team, Kirklees Council's Highways Design team, together with Blackett Ord Conservation, have completed detailed design work for the new site. Proposals have been shared with Historic England and the Local Planning Authority through pre application discussions, with general agreement subject to formal planning and listed building consent.

Community space

The reinstated Oakenshaw Cross will form part of a landscaped community area designed to be welcoming and informative of the history of the cross. Features will include:

  • A pathway with a story disc.
  • An interpretation board explaining the history of the Cross.
  • Seating for visitors.
  • Planting of shrubs and greenery to enhance the setting.

A combined planning and listed building consent application was submitted to the Local Planning Authority in November 2025.