In 1809 a subscription was raised to repair the Cross, which was then in
a very dilapidated state. The shape was not in any way altered, but it
was covered with cement, and at the same time various architectural
embellishment were introduced. On each face of the octagon is a shield
containing one of the letters composing the word Totenham in the old
characters. The Cross was then surrounded with a curb and iron railings,
which were removed a good many years ago.
At the back of the Cross there were the three shops still standing, a
stationer’s, draper’s, and butcher’s; by the side there was a green
planted with beautiful elm trees, only three of which remain now. At the
back of this stood two pretty old houses, in occupation of Mr. Thomas
Corney and Rev. James Baird. This was originally one house and was
occupied by Dean Wood, who about the year 1600 had the present cross
erected, which in 1809 was repaired and altered to its present
appearance.
Next to Mr. Baird’s there was a blacksmith’s shop, where the old skeleton
horse stood over the gateway. This horse belonged to Mr. Charles Tuck,
who kept the butcher’s shop at the corner, which is now a chemists, and
was such a willing animal that one day it fell down dead, drawing a load
which was too much for him. I remember him well, and used often to feed
him with bread.