To Siward's Cross

My aim today was to walk from Burrator to Nun's Cross. Burrator was heaving, but when I reached Nun's Cross, often described as Dartmoor's best known cross, I was the only person there. The cross, also known as Siward's Cross, dates from at least 1240. It stands in a remote location close to the now derelict Nun's Cross Farm, seen in the background. William Crossing, famous for his guide to Dartmoor (published in 1909), wrote a poem entitled:
 
To Siward's Cross

Old cross, how many summers bright have flown
Since first was here up-reared thy sacred form;
How many winters hast thou stood alone,
And braved the storm.

Of those who shaped and fashioned thee with care,
From the rough block that midst the heather lay,
The memory, like smoke upon the air,
Has passed away.

At morn, when gladdened by the sun’s bright ray,
The lark poured forth her mountain melody,
Oft has the abbot, passing on his way,
Gazed upon thee.

When dusky night’s advance made daylight flee,
Or gathering mists the beaten track would hide,
The lonely traveller, beholding thee,
Has found a guide.

Long in the desert may’st thou stand, old cross,
And towards thee ne’er be stretched an unkind hand;
But with thy coat of lichen grey and moss,
Long may’st thou stand!