28 The Ancient Stow Crosses and a little further on, we shall again approach the row of stones which runs from Butterdon Hill towards Sharp Tor, and which here crosses our grassy track. This will now take us down a slope, and after passing the source of a rivulet that falls into the Erme, just below Harford, we shall soon reach the moor gate. A walk of a few minutes will bring us to Harford Church, a little sanctuary pleasingly situated an the verge of the common. Here may be seen an altar tomb, on which is a brass with an effigy of a knight in complete armour. It represents Thomas Williams, Speaker of the House of Commons, in the reign pf Elizabeth, and who died in 1566. A mural monument will also be observed, erected by John Prideaux, to the memory of his parents, who were buried here. His father and mother are represented, with their twelve children, seven sons and five daughters. In the centre is the Bishop in his robes, and underneath is an inscription telling of him who rests below. From Harford a path leads by the vicarage, and crossing , Butter Brook by a single stone clapper, passes near the rugged pile of Tor Rocks. The road is regained just opposite the gate of Broomhill Farm, and a short distance further on it skirts the grounds of Lukesland, the pleasantly situated seat of Mr. James J. Mac Andrew. The mansion was built about forty years ago, close to the site of an older house, called Lukesland Grove, which was then pulled down. It presents an imposing appearance, and the grounds about it are so care- fully laid out that a perfect harmony with the surroundings is preserved. Although standing some six hundred feet above sea level, the mansion, of which but a glimpse is obtainable from the road, is remarkably well sheltered. Soon after passing the lodge gates of Lukesland, the more modern residence of Erme Wood will be observed on the right hand, and not far beyond this, just after commencing the descent of the hill, Stowford is reached. The old house has, in great part, disappeared, and the modern one has nothing in the shape of architectural beauties to recommend it. From Stowford we shall make our way to Ivybridge, the pleasing situation of which, and delightful surroundings, have combined to render it one of the most favourite resorts on the southern confines of the moor.
