This pub is named after the stone cross which marked Retford’s southern boundary in medieval times. The base of the southern cross (the Dominie Cross) was later moved to Market Square and became known as the Broad Stone. It still stands in front of the Victorian town hall, not far from the Wetherspoon pub in Grove Street. Grove Street was added to the town plan in the 13th century (then known as New Gate). In the 19th century, it was the location of the town’s annual horse fair, held in March.

Text about Grove Street

The text reads: Originally known as New Gate, Grove Street was laid out in the 13th century. In Victorian times, it was the location of Retford’s annual horse fair, held in March, when horses and ponies were paraded up and down the street.

Further along the street is the massive Wesleyan Chapel, built in 1880. Methodism was brought to Retford by John Macfarland, who worked as a ‘navvie’, digging out the Chesterfield Canal. The canal, engineered by James Brindley, crosses the east end of Grove Street.

A photograph of Grove Street in the 1930s

A mixed-media sculpture entitled Connection

A three-layer art piece entitled Valhalla

External photograph of the building – main entrance