50 Tlu Ancient Stone Crosses direction of another, which, diverging from the main path, was carried over Wigford Down. The surroundings are of a very pleasing character. The Plym, sometimes called in this part of its course the Cad, flows at a short distance from us, on its way to mingle its waters with the Mew, at the foot of the romantic Dewerstone, from thence rolling onward — '* Thro* arching bridges, moss'd by hoary time, Or, hung with chistering verdure, thro' rich meads. Till flowing on tliro' Saltram*s towery groves, It pours its tribute to the restless sea.'** Trowlsworthy Warren house, with numerous enclosures near it, is seen on the hillside : a few tors lift their rugged crests above the slopes, while Pen Beacon and its companion height of Shell Top rise above the whole, and a true picture of Dartmoor border scenery is presented. Turning our back reluctantly upon this attractive scene we regain the road, which we shall follow to Lynch Down, along the verge of which we shall make our way to Lynch Hill. The road here winds down this steep hill to the Mew, and at the foot of it, on the very edge of the common, we shall be pleased at discovering a remarkably fine cross. In the vicinity it is known as Marchants, or Merchants Cross, but, as I shall presently show, it is more than probable that it once bore another name. It is the tallest of the ancient crosses of the moor, being no less than eight feet two inches in height. It measures across the arms two feet three inches, and they are fourteen inches in depth. From the bottom of the shaft to their under surface the distance is five feet ten inches. Fourteen inches is the width of the shaft at its widest part, but in some places it is not quite thirteen. Just below the arms the shaft is ten inches in thickness, but lower down is two inches less than this. On each face there is an incised cross in the centre of the shaft, where it is intersected by the arms. They are both of one size, and measure two feet four inches in height^ and nearly fourteen inches across, being about one inch broad. ♦Howard's BickUigh VaUf p. 33.
