Designed by architect James Wyatt, it is Gothic in style.
[2] It was completed posthumously to his design, following Wyatt's death in a coach accident near Marlborough.
[3] His son Benjamin Wyatt is also credited as the architect, likely because he executed his father's design.
It was paid for by Henry Addington, Viscount Sidmouth, a former Prime Minister then serving as Home Secretary, who had been a Member of Parliament for the town between 1784 and 1805 before his elevation to the House of Lords.
[5] The cross has been granted Grade II* status and was first listed in 1954.