Of Dartmoor and its Borderland. 35 The church is Perpendicular in style with Early English chancel, and is dedicated to St Michael. It is pleasingly situated, at a short distance from the village, and the church- yard contains a number of grave stones with interesting epitaphs upon them. Built into the hedge by the roadside about a furlong south of the lich-gate, are several pieces of carved stone, the occurrence of which here may probably arouse the curiosity of the antiquary. But the Highway Board con- tractor is alone responsible for their present position. They were taken from the windows of the church, when the edifice was restored, and after lying for some time in the churchyard, were removed and utilized in the building of the hedge. Corn wood is but a small place, but picturesque in appear- ance, and with surroundings possessing much interest. It is overlooked by the fine frontier height of Pen Beacon, one of the most prominent of the hills of Southern Dartmoor. Within a short distance of the village is Hawns and Dendles, a thickly wooded valley, running up into the moor, down which the river Yealm flows over rocks and boulders of granite. It is deservedly renowned, its sylvan beauties constituting a powerful attraction for the visitor, and even on the borders of the moor not many spots will be found to surpass it. The name is certainly peculiar. Hawns is said to have been derived from a Madame Hawns, who, according to tradition, had a mansion somewhere in the valley, but as this rests upon a very shadowy foundation, little or no reliance can be placed upon the statement. Mr. J. D. Pode states that title deeds in his possession show that for more than a hundred years past the spelling of the name has not varied (except that an e is sometimes placed before the s), so that there seems to be Httle doubt that the present form is correct, whatever its meaning may be. The derivation of Dendles is a matter about which we can be more certain. Mr. Pode looked through some title deeds with the late Lord Blachford and found the name to be a corruption of Daniels. Resuming our way we shall proceed towards Piall Bridge having on our left the grounds of Delamore, the seat of Admiral Parker, and at one time the residence of Winthrop Mack worth Praed, the poet. At a much earlier period the mansion, together with the manor of Cornwood, belonged to
