I20 The Ancient Stone Crosses cross, near the edge, and running lengthwise, are the words — Hie laced Rober, and on the other side, similarly placed^ Cub De Moie B. It has been suggested that the letter B. possibly refers to Brightley, where was formerly a priory.. This stood on the bank of the Ockment, about a mile and a half below the town, but there are now few remains of it. About six miles from Okehampton is North Lew. The parish cannot strictly be regarded as being in the Dartmoor country, but the visitor may well extend his ramble to the village, as there will be found one of the finest among our Devonshire Crosses. For several hundred years the ancient preaching cross, supposed to have been erected by the monks of Tavistock Abbey was a feature in North Lew, but it was^ at length overthrown and broken. But the base of the cross, standing on three steps, remained, and this has come down to us, grey and weather-worn, it is true, but otherwise uninjured. During recent years the desirability of restoring this venerable monument became recognised, and a movement was at length made. It was carried out under the supervision of Mrs. Worthington, the wife of the rector, the funds necessary for the purpose having been collected by school children, and the unveiling took place on the 20th July, 1900. The Bishop of Bristol officiated at the dedication, and about three hundred persons, grouped around the cross, listened to the address which he delivered. The pedestal is octagonal in shape, and on the face of the moulded steps some tracery is yet observable. The socket- stone also exhibits similar ornamentation, the whole being feu- more elaborate than any other ancient base, in, or near, the moor country. The socket itself is twelve inches square, and in this the new cross is now fixed. This is of Dartmoor granite, and is over ten feet in height. At the base it is square, but runs into an elegant tapering octagonal form. It is crowned with an old stone supposed to have been the top of the original shaft. The joints of the stones composing the pedestal have been cemented, and the whole made firm. The restoration of this village cross, to which more than one tradition clings, and which has been so effectively accom- plished, will be gratifying to all who love these old memorials^ and will lend an additional charm to their visit when their steps shall bring them to North Lew.
