The artist enjoyed capturing the complexity of this busy street, with its windows and doorways. The cars guide our gaze through the painting, sparking curiosity about what might be just around the corner if we were to stroll along. Cross Street in Barnstaple is an ancient thoroughfare, originally part of the core street pattern established during the Saxon settlement. In the 14th century, it was known as "Crock Street” due to the pottery sales that took place there.