Evening Lecture: Dartmoor's medieval crosses

Evening Lecture "Crossing the Centuries: Dartmoor’s medieval crosses" - by Jane Marchand, former Senior Archaeologist for Dartmoor National Park.

These enigmatic granite monoliths have long served as wayside, track and guide markers on Dartmoor and have been used by a succession of moorfolk including merchants, sailors, farmers, tinners, quarry workers and the peat cutters. Many were set up to mark medieval monastic routes between the great abbeys situated either side of the moor. Others were erected as boundary markers, as memorials and preaching crosses, whilst some marked significant features such as wells. For many though there is no obvious explanation for their siting, or any certainty of their date. This illustrated talk will include reference to those crosses which Jane has had practical involvement with during her 25 year career with the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA). This has covered all sorts of incidents, from attempted theft, deliberate damage and repair, to the discovery of hitherto unknown crosses.

Jane Marchand recently retired from a five year post as Senior Archaeologist for the DNPA. During this time Jane was responsible for managing Dartmoor’s 20 000 archaeological sites that are recorded on the County Historic Environment Record. The work included practical conservation work, field surveys, excavation, and liaising with others with interests on Dartmoor, such as the MOD, Forestry Commission, Duchy of Cornwall, other landowners, farmers, and the Dartmoor Commoners. For Jane, the highlight of her time with the National Park was the excavation of the Bronze Age cist on Whitehorse Hill, the extraordinary finds from which are of international importance. 

Booking is advisable and places will b allocated on a first come, first served basis.  Tickets are £5 and available in advance from the DRA office.  To reserve a seat please call Abi on 01548 830832 or email abi@dra.uk.net