Reasons for Designation
Boundary stones of different dates and functions are found in large numbers
throughout Dartmoor. Most were erected to denote the boundary of a particular
land holding, activity or administrative area such as a parish. In some
instances existing rocks or stones were used, but normally stones were
erected by the boundary makers. Most boundary stones are inscribed with
letters or numbers to indicate their purpose and sometimes they are dated.
Amongst the boundaries denoted by stones are parishes, manors, communications,
tinworks, warrens, quarries, private and public land holdings. Amongst the
more unusual are a group of parole stones which denote the boundary beyond
which officers of the French army who had been taken prisoner were not allowed
to pass.
Despite being moved a short distance in 1829, the boundary stone 110m north
west of St Mary's Church remains in its original setting and bears a series of
carved motifs of unusual character.
Details
The monument includes a boundary stone situated at the foot of rising ground
110m north west of St Mary's Church. The granite pillar measures 1.4m high by
0.4m wide on the eastern face and 0.3m thick on the southern side. On the
southern face of the stone is a cross carved in relief. This cross is 0.5cm
proud of the stone surface and measures 0.7m high by up to 0.16m wide. At the
top of the southern face is a 4cm diameter and 1.5cm deep circular hollow. On
the northern face there is another similar hollow and this measures 3cm in
diameter and 1.5cm deep. The western face of the pillar bears eroded carvings
which are no longer clearly discernable but are said to include wavy lines, St
Andrew's crosses and hour glass markings.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
28756
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
