Dartmoor

Sometimes a day out isn't about an historical site or a wonderful meal. Sometimes a perfect day out is a drive in the country, enjoying the things that make a place special. One such day was when we drove through the Dartmoor countryside. Earlier in the year I'd walked up to Haytor and enjoyed the views from the top of the rock to the moors below. This time we drove to the village of Widecombe. There was a craft market scheduled which, although I neglected to photograph it, was lovely. Local crafters shared their products: jewelry, laser-printed wood, felted wool, original art, and I bought a few bits and bobs as gifts for friends. Adjacent to the village hall where the craft show was taking place is the lovely old Church of St. Pancras, otherwise known as the Cathedral in the Moor.

It's quite a small place but it has long been an important part of the local area.

The church was originally built in the 14th century in the late Gothic style. It was enlarged over the following two centuries, partly on the proceeds of the local tin mining trade.

The church was badly damaged in the Great Thunderstorm of 1638, apparently struck by ball lightening. An afternoon service was taking place at the time and the building was packed with approximately 300 worshippers. Four of them were killed, around 60 injured. According to local legend, the Great Thunderstorm was caused by the village being visited by the devil.

For many years the Rood Screen separated the Chancel from the Nave, but sometime between 1754 and 1822 the screen was sawn in half. The remaining parts of the medieval screen are now displayed by the alter.

Another bit of ancient art is in the form of the bosses in the ceiling. These are carvings installed where beams meet arches.

Pelican in her Piety

In this boss, a pelican is pictured plucking at her breast to revive her three dead chicks with her blood. This motif is a reference to the Passion and sacrifice of Christ.

After a walk around the church and the churchyard with its weathered gravestones,

we drove through the moors and spotted lots of Dartmoor ponies.

Dartmoor ponies are a breed of horse found in Devon, known for their hardiness and stamina. There were once used as working animals by tin miners. They are now semi-feral and their numbers have fallen precipitously. We caught one of them rolling around to scratch her back. They're also known as being pretty feisty, so best to keep your distance.

There are animals all over the moors and you have to be watchful when you're driving.

The rugged scenery is so lovely.

I love the "tunnels" created by the trees arching over the narrow roads on the way home.

Such a lovely way to spend an afternoon.