A Wayside Cross is any cross that has been erected by the side
of a road or path and they are found all over the world,
particularly in Europe. There have been various reasons for
erecting these: For example as markers placed along routes used
by Christian pilgrims, or as a shrine in reverence, perhaps to a
saint who has some connection to the locality. Others mark
burial sites, a disaster, a miracle, or some other event that
should be remembered. In some cases they were erected to mark
meeting places for Christian worship and later churches were
built adjacent to the cross, resulting in the cross being within
the church's walls. (See Churchyard Cross and High Cross.)
Wayside Crosses are typically made of stone, iron or wood, of
modest size and appearance, and often neglected, especially if
sited in the countryside. For protection from the elements, some
are enclosed or semi-enclosed. (See also Enshrined Cross) The
more famous crosses include those in Spain on the Pilgrim's Way
to Santiago de Compostela and i