Saxon crosses (c.850) Sandbach, Cheshire. Sandbach has two very important historical features in the cobbled market square. These are the Saxon Crosses that were reportedly built in the 7th, 8th or 9th century. A plaque is situated on the crosses and mentions the 9th century, so there is some debate about when they came into being. The plaque states: " Saxon crosses completed in the 9th century A.D. to commemorate the advent of Christianity in this kingdom of mercia about 653 A.D. in the reign of the Saxon king Penda. Restored in 1816 by Sir John Egerton after destruction by iconoclasts." 咄ortean / TopFoto