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![]() O/S Grid Ref: SX/71880/76800 Longitude/Latitude (Degrees+/-): -3.81082/50.57684 Map location: Click here to view map. Purpose: Church Crosses Size: Top
Cross: 2 feet 3 inches (0.69 metres) tall. 11 inches (0.28 metres) across the arms.
The incised cross is 6 inches (0.15 metres) tall and 4 inches (0.10 metres) across
the arms. Information: It seems that these 3 crosses came to light in January 1876, when some work was being done inside the church. A walled-up Gothic doorway was being re-opened in the northern aisle and, behind this doorway, the workmen discovered a staircase leading up to the rood-loft. A piece of the shaft measuring 20 inches long and belonging to the Churchyard Cross were found built into this staircase. At the same time the discovery of these three crosses was made. No records exist of their original location, prior to be stored away in the staircase. I just wonder whether they were stored away for safekeeping during the reign of Henry VIII, when many crosses and other religious artefacts were destroyed under his suppression of the Catholic faith. The current Widecombe Church building was erected in the 14th century in the perpendicular style. It is dedicated to St Pancras and is often referred to as the Cathedral of the Moor. The tower, which stands 120 feet high, is a later addition and is topped off with crocketed pinnacles. Inside, the tinners’ emblem of three rabbits sharing three ears has been carved on a roof boss, in recognition of the contribution made by the tinners to the building and upkeep of the church.
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