Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Wederhal Gyrthcrosse 15th Weth

• crosses commonly called Grith-Crosses c.1683 MH

Etymology

'Sanctuary cross,' v. grið .

There were six of these crosses marking out an area to the west of Wetheral. Their positions are described in the Register of Wetheral, Illust. Doc. XXX, but are not easy to identify on the modern map.Henry I, c. 1132, endowed Wetheral with all the customs and liberties enjoyed by the churches of St Peter in York and St John in Beverley (Weth. No. 5) and these included the right of sanctuary to criminals for offences committed outside the bounds of the area in question.No refuge was allowed to those whose offence was committed within the liberty. In 1342 Edward III offered pardon to all the 'grithmen,' the criminals who had obtained the 'grith', at Wetheral, Beverley, Ripon and Tynemouth, on the condition that they should go and fight in Scotland (Weth 425–6).