164 Tkc Ancient Stom Crosses protrudes from the face of the wall, as it is not squarely built in, while the other is hidden. It partakes of the character of a wayside cross. The scenery in the neighbourhood of this secluded settle- ment is of the most attractive character. In the valley the Dart, fresh from the rugged hills, flows between the Buckland Woods and Holne Chase, the paths above the river^s banks opening up a constant succession of beauties, while from the hill above many a noble tor may be seen lifting its granite crest in the still air. A walk of about a mile and a half will bring us to Cocking- ford, where we cross the East Webburn, as it comes down from Widecombe, to which place we shall now proceed. Just before reaching the village we shall pass by the hamlet of Dunstone, where, on the green, is a large block of granite, from which it has been thought the place may possibly have taken its name. Here, in former times, the manor courts were held, and the chief rents were deposited in a hollow on this stone. The late Mr. Dymond resolved to revive this custom, and about twenty years ago an open-air court was held here. Close by the stone a cross formerly stood, but was removed many years ago by the Rev. J. H. Mason, who was vicar of Widecombe from 18 15 till his death in i860, and placed by him for preservation in the vicarage garden.* It is now fixed at the end of a low wall, and over the lower portion of the shaft some ivy has spread itself, as if to shelter
- While it is pleasing to find that this ancient cross has been
preserved, it is at the same time much to be regretted that it was considered necessary to remove it from its original site, and to erect it in a private garden, where none can see it except as a favour. In the case of the Lynscott Cross, described on page 140, it is satisfactory to note that this time-worn stone has been re-erected on the nearest suitable spot to that at which it was found serving as a gate-post The work has been accomplished while the preceding sheets were passing through the press' The cross now stands on a bank close to the ancieut highway, and a little on the Moreton side of the field in which Dr. Stephens discovered it It now stands about five-and-a-half feet high, and is placed so that the face on which is the incised cros . is seen from the road. That there was also an incised cross on the other face becomes evident when the stone is closely examined, but in sinking the holes for the bars the markings have in great part been destroyed. The Lynscott Cross forms a pleasing object by the wayside, and antiquaries will feel indebted to Dr. Stephens for calling attention to it, aud urging the desirability of its removal and re-erection, and to Mr. Charles Cuming for promptly recogiusing this in so practical a manner.
