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Site of the Flesh Cross, named from its proximity to the Fleshmarket, and site of later Mercat Cross. The Flesh Cross was erected circa 1545 but replaced by the Market Cross in 1686 (moved in 1841-2 - see NJ90NW0024). Over the centuries Aberdeen has had a succession of different mercat crosses. The earliest reference to any cross dates from 1448 and would seem to indicate that there was only one cross there at that time. By the 16th century there seem to have been two distinct crosses: the Fish Cross and the Flesh Cross. Very little is known about when the cross appeared. However a few deductions can be made about its appearance. From Parson Gordon's map of 1661 it would seem to have been a single upright shaft set on a platform of one or two steps. From Spalding's History of the Troubles, it would seem that there was a square stone forming the top or finial of this cross which had carved up on it the Royal Arms of Scotland and was topped by a crucifix. The arms were defaced by the Covenanters who also boxed up the crucifix. The royal arms were re-cut at the restoration of the monarchy, after the end of the Republic. In 1686 the Council ordered that a new cross should be erected (this is the cross which survives today NJ90NW0024). The new cross was erected approximately where the flesh cross stood and it is tempting to assume that the flesh cross was removed at that time. The Flesh Cross was also known as the High Cross. In light of this the traditional practice of making announcements at the cross would probably have taken place here. It would also be the case that when people were sentenced to be punished at 'the cross' that it was the Flesh Cross that was being referred to.
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Historic Environment Records (HER) 
Aberdeen City
HER -
NJ90NW0044 - FLESH CROSS