Browse crosses

Location

O/S Grid Ref: SX/77699/86235          Longitude/Latitude (Degrees+/-):  -3.73139/50.66290

Map location: Click here to view map.

Purpose:  Intended as a base for a cross, but never actually used for this purpose.

Size: 2 feet 4 inches (0.71 metres) by 2 feet 2 inches (0.66 metres).

Information:  This stone which is protected by two larger boulders, one on each side, sits on the grass verge above Cossick Farm.  It was cut at Blackingstone Quarry in the 1920's at the request of John Reddaway who was, at that time, the farmer at Cossick Farm.  It was obviously intended to be used to support a cross somewhere in the area, but has never actually been used for this purpose.  The hole, in the centre of the stone, measures 9 inches (0.23 metres) by 7 inches (0.18 metres).

It is understood that the Reddaway family still live in the 17th century house at Cossick Farm, which is a  Grade II Listed building.  Although the two-storey house has been little changed since the 19th century, various outbuildings and shippens have been added since it was originally built.  Internally, the house is very traditional, with the hall fireplace being placed between two large granite monoliths, which provide support for a large granite lintel spread across the top. Granite has also been used in other rooms throughout the house as lintels and other supports. 

About ¼ mile to the south-east of Cossick Farm stands one of East Dartmoor's lesser-known tors, Cossick Tor, at grid reference SX7793/8581.  This minor tor, which consists of three main outcrops, stands on private land and permission of the owner must be sought prior to making any visit to the tor although it is visible, at a distance, from the public highway. 

Our thanks to Bob Noakes for informing us of this socket stone and providing the photo and the information about the stone. Our thanks also go to the owners of the 'Tors of Dartmoor' website for providing the information on Cossick Tor.