Nun's Cross, Dartmoor

Although this morning was wet and dull after lunch it improved enough to temp us out for a walk to Nun's Cross which lays in a remote spot about 2 miles south of Princetown.

The history of this cross seems to depend on which book you read. All however seem to agree that this is the oldest and, at over 6ft, the largest on the moor. The first recorded mention of it being here was in 1240 and it is suspected that it was erected between 1042 and 1066.

The two faces of the head of the cross are inscribed on one side with the word "Siward or Syward" the name that was given to the cross on its first mention. On this side is the the word "Bocland".

The interpretation and meaning of these inscriptions are again many and a quick search on the internet will give you a few of them

It is more or less accepted that it stands on the junction of two ancient religious tracks that crossed the moor called the "Monks Path" and the" Abbots Way", both of which joined the Abbey's of Tavistock and Buckfast.

Which ever version you favor, its location and size give it a splendid presence and a visit is worth while what ever the weather

The building in the distance is "Nun's Cross Farm" At one time a working farm but now an adventure center