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![]() O/S Grid Ref: SX/58380/70401 Longitude/Latitude (Degrees+/-): -3.99893/50.51621 Map location: Click here to view map. Purpose: This is probably one of a number of crosses that marks the route of the Monks’ Path. This is the ancient name given to the track that links the Buckfast Abbey with those at Tavistock and Buckland. No-one is entirely sure which course the path took to the West of Nun’s Cross. However, considering the number of ancient crosses on this track it is perfectly feasible that it passed this way, via Walkhampton, to Tavistock and Buckland. Size: 4 feet 5 inches (1.35 metres) tall, 2 feet 1 inch (0.63 metres) across the arms. Information: The arms of this cross are slightly tapered giving it the tendencies of a Maltese Cross. The head appears to be original, but replacements for the shaft and probably the socket stone were found at the time the cross was repaired and reset. It is thought that the cross once stood on the banks of the nearby Crazywell Pool. The head was certainly found lying near pool at some point during the 19th Century. It would have been moved to its new home at the time of its repair.
Crazywell Pool is surrounded by superstition. It was thought that it was bottomless and that the water level rose and fell with the tides at Plymouth. This was believed to have been confirmed when the parishioners of nearby Walkhampton brought up the bell ropes from the parish church to test its depth. They tied the ropes together, weighted the end and lowered them into the water, but were unable to reach the bottom of the pool.
Other superstitions include the waters calling out at dusk the name of the next Walkhampton parishioner to die. Also, that at midnight on Midsummer’s Eve you can see the face of the next parishioner to die in the still waters of the pool. In reality the pool was excavated by tinners and may well have been used by them as a reservoir. Certainly it is fine spot to sit awhile and ponder during a walk on a fine summer’s day. Our thanks to Bob Woodland and Bob Noakes for providing the photos of the Crazywell Pool Cross/Anchor Point. |