Browse crosses

 
Location:  On the village green, in the centre of Lustleigh.

O/S Grid Ref:  SX/78521/81251       Longitude/Latitude (Degrees+/-):  -3.71853/50.61827

Map location:  Click here to view map.

Purpose:  Erected as a memorial to the Rev. Henry Tudor, Rector of Lustleigh, who died early in the 20th Century.

Size: The cross measures 8 feet 3 inches (2.51 metres) high and 2 feet 5 inches (0.74 metres) across the arms. The shaft is 12 inches (0.31 metres) wide by 10 inches (0.26 metres) deep, measured at its base. The upper octagonal pedestal for the cross is 2 feet 7 inches (0.79 metres)  wide by 2 feet 1 inch (0.64 metres) high and the lower measures 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 metres) wide by 1 foot 6 inches (0.46 metres) high.

lustleigh_trough.jpg (163153 bytes)Information:  This is a fine Maltese cross, set on a double octagonal pedestal, topped off with rounded slabs.   Incised around the top of the upper pedestal, immediately below the plinth, are the words 'IN PIOUS MEMORY OF HENRY TUDOR RECTOR OF THIS PARISH'.

lustleigh_metal_cross.jpg (122715 bytes)The lower pedestal forms a useful seat to sit quietly and take in the picturesque surroundings and peaceful atmosphere of the village. Nearby, on the ground, lies a broken granite trough which is now in use as a flower container.

Right opposite the village cross and sat atop the churchyard wall is an ornate wrought-iron memorial cross.  The shaft widens towards its base to contain a lantern within its framework.  This cross had suffered badly from the elements over the years but, in 2004, it was decided to restore it to its former glory and it now adds to the beauty  of this quaint Dartmoor village.  A brass plaque has been lustleigh_metal_cross_plaque.jpg (180308 bytes) screwed to the top of the concrete base of the cross, which shows that it was refurbished on 12th June 2004 to celebrate the 100th Birthday of Henrietta Beryl Gould.  Just around the corner of the church from this cross there are two more metal crosses leaning side by side against the church wall.  I don't know the history of these two crosses and lustleigh_metal_crosses.jpg (180684 bytes) can only assume that they were originally used to mark graves within the churchyard but have now been placed here for safekeeping.