Browse crosses

Location

O/S Grid Ref:  SX/683/876       Longitude/Latitude (Degrees+/-):  -3.86519/50.67312 (approx.)  

Map location:  Click here to view map.

Purpose:  Probable waymarker at nearby Teigncombe Farm, which is on the route of the ancient Mariner’s Way.

Size:  4 feet (1.22 metres) high. 14 inches (0.36 metres) across the arms. The incised cross measures 5½ inches (0.14 metres) high and 4½ inches (0.11 metres) across the arms.

Information:  The cross is set on top of two large natural boulders, one on top of the other, and is half hidden by the surrounding trees. The head and arms are part of an ancient cross that is thought to have once stood at Teigncombe Farm, about ¾ mile to the south-west. A large circular socket stone, which is thought to have originally supported this cross, is currently in service as a roadside gatepost quite close to Teigncombe Farm. The rectangular hole in the socket stone would appear to match the likely size of the original shaft of this cross. As the Mariner’s Way, of which more detail can be found on our page for Leeper Cross, passes through Teigncombe Farm it is a likely place for an ancient cross to be found.
 
This rugged cross was erected in its current position by Mr Clampitt, early in the 20^th Century. The incised cross is on the roadside face and the cemented joint, between the cross and the replacement shaft, can clearly be seen. The new shaft, which is rectangular in section, is slightly tapered and was deliberately roughly hewn in an attempt to match the cross. The width of the shaft reduces from 13 inches (0.33 metres) at the base to 9 inches (0.23 metres) just below the arms and it measures 7 inches (0.18 metres) in depth. The highest point of the boulders is 8 feet 9 inches (2.67 metres) above the bank immediately in front of them.

The picturesque Leigh Bridge stands just a few yards down the road from the cross, immediately upstream of the confluence of the two Teign rivers. The North Teign, flowing down through the woods below the Gidleigh Park Hotel, meeting the South Teign, pouring down from the overflow of the Fernworthy Reservoir. A little way downstream from the bridge, on the right hand bank of the river and standing in private grounds is the Puggiestone. This stone, which is set in a beautifully landscaped garden, is one of a number of boundary stones around the parish of Chagford.

During a visit to the location of this cross, in June 2015, it was found to be missing. We are informed by the Dartmoor National Park Authority that the granite shaft has become weak over the years and that it fell over during the winter of 2013/14.  The Park Authority are currently holding the cross in storage until a decision on how best it might be repaired and restored to site has been made. The photo to the left shows the short length of shaft that now remains sticking out the top of the boulder where the break occurred.