i6o The Ancient Stone Crosses On each side of the south porch of Bovey Tracey Church is a large flat granite stone, laid upon the low bank bordering the path to form a sort of coping. One is six-and-a-half feet long, and the other* a little less, while in width they are both two feet three inches. They have each a very large cross incised upon them in outline, with a rectangular base bearing lines cut in relief. Of these lines two cross diagonally, and intersect each other in the centre, while an upright line also cuts through the centre, so that the device bears a resemblance to the stripes on the national flag of the Royal navy. It is also similar to the lower half of the monogram usually known as the cross of Constantine. The extensive plain of Bovey Heathfield lies to the south of the town, and it is stated in Letters, Historical and Botanical, relating to places in the Vale of Teign, by Dr. Fraser Halle, which appeared in 1851, that tradition pointed to it as the spot where a conflict took place between the troops of Cromwell, who was there in person, and the royalist brigade under Lord Went worth, resulting in the defeat of the latter. A granite pillar, which when the Rev. J. P. Jones wrote his History of Teignbridge (which has not been published) was used as a gate-post, was said to mark the spot where one of the officers was buried, and to be the remains of an ancient cross. A cross has recently been discovered at Sanduck, a farm in the district with which this chapter deals. In order to include it in the ramble we have just sketched, it would be a good plan to visit that place after leaving South Harton Gate, whence, without retracing our steps, we could make our way to Higher Coombe. The Sanduck Cross was fouftd in the foundations of the farmhouse which was burnt down in April, 1 90 1, on the day of the annual harrier hunt meet on Bellaford Tor. It is a small cross, with chamfered corners, and of elegant proportions.
