Page:Devon & Cornwall Notes & Queries.djvu/529

{{rh|left=148|center=The Ancient Stone Crosses Resuming our walk along the highway we shortly cross Statsford Bridge, and ascend Meripit Hill. In July, 1831 Mr. Bray observed a fallen cross here, lying near a circular pit, close to the road on the left, as he was going towards Post Bridge. It was nine feet and three-quarters in length, and its arms were very short ; but it was of a regular shape, and better wrought than the crosses generally seen on the moor. I find that on the map in Owen's book what certainly seems to be the object seen by Mr. Bray, is shown. It is there marked as ** a stone called Merry Pit," and is placed on the same side of the road as that on which the cross was observed.

From Jonas Coaker, who was well known as the Dartmoor Poet, and who died in 1890 at the age of 89, I gathered some particulars concerning this cross, for without doubt it was to this particular stone that he referred. He said that he remem- bered a cross on Meripit Hill, which was afterwards removed to Post Bridge, which is about a mile distant, and used as a post for the toll-gate on the latter being erected there. When the gate was abolished, but, if we remember rightly, before the toll-house was pulled down, the posts were removed. I have, however, never been able to learn what became of them, nor to discover the remains of the cross.

This instance of wanton spoliation — one among the many that have taken place on the moor — is not only to be regretted, but arouses one's indignation. Stone is here in abundance, but in order that a little labour might be saved, an ancient relic has been lost to us.

On arriving at the moorland settlement of Post Bridge, we shall notice on the right hand side of the road a gateway, with a cottage, which was intended for a lodge to Stannon House, which building, however, was never finished in the manner, contemplated, but was turned into a labourer's dwelling, Here, close to the lodge gate, formerly stood a cross, but no one recollects it now. Jonas Coaker said that it was known as Maggie Cross, and that he remembered it, but was unable to say what had become of it.

In the entry in Mr. Bray's Journal* concerning the cross on Meripit Hill, mention is also made of another that he saw
 * Tiimar and Tav vol. i, p. 299