Dotted about are many black and white buildings, providing a real touch of Tudor England. The popular Thursday market has its origin in a charter granted by Elizabeth I. But Sandbach is most famous for the two carved crosses standing on a stone platform in the old cobbled market square; they are considered to be among the finest Saxon crosses in the country.

It is believed that they were originally erected by Peada, son of Penda of Mercia, to commemorate his marriage to a Christian princess and his conversion to the Christian faith.

Over a period of something like 1300 years the rain and wind have had an effect on the carvings but the crosses had to survive very much more than weathering. During the religious turmoil that swept across the country in the 17th century they were broken up and fragments scattered for miles. One piece was taken first to Utkinton Hall, then to Tarporley Rectory, and finally to Oulton Park. It was mainly due to the efforts of the Cheshire historian, George Ormerod, that the various fragments were recovered. He discovered fragments in the walls of wells, some in street paving, some under the market place, and even one piece being used as a cottage step. With all that he managed to collect, and suitable new stone to replace that missing, he rebuilt the crosses, and in 1816 set them up again in the old marketplace.

The taller cross is 16ft. and has carvings of Mary, Elizabeth and John in a roundel. There is also an Annunciation, a Crucifixion, Christ in a manger between two oxen, Christ bound with cord, Simon carrying the cross, and some worn figures in cells that are probably meant to be the Apostles. The smaller cross is lift, high and the carved pictures are thought to represent Peada's journey, showing him with his attendants. There is also a dragon, some little men who appear to be walking, and people in small compartments."