Sandbach has one very important historical feature in the cobbled market square. These are the two 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. There are a number of books in the Sandbach lending library, so have a browse and make your own mind up.

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."

In the background, you can see two of Sandbach's pubs, The Crown to the right and The Market Tavern to the left.

In the porch of St Mary's Church, just below the Market Square, you will see parts of the crosses which were removed to preserve them from damage.

A plaque states "THESE FRAGMENTS OF ANGLO SAXON CROSS-SHAFTS AND TOMB-SLABS, HAVING BEEN DESPOSITED AROUND THE CROSSES IN THE MARKET PLACE IN 1816, WERE REMOVED HERE FOR GREATER SAFETY IN 1956. THEY ARE IN THE GUARDIANSHIP OF THE MINISTRY OF WORKS."
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