...more on the Moor

Looking down into the valley, Widecombe-in-the-Moor appears as a green oasis after crossing miles of heather and gorse covered windswept moorland. The name is thought to derive from 'Withy-combe' which means Willow Valley. There are just 196 village households but its sprawling parish stretches many miles encompassing dozens of isolated cottages and moorland farms.

Tourism is a major source of income for Widecombe today. Best known for Widecombe Fair, held annually and celebrated by a well-known folksong featuring "Old Uncle Tom Cobley and All", a song all Devon children learn at a young age I might add.

The church of St. Pancras is known as the 'Cathedral of the Moor' in recognition of its 120 foot tower and relatively large capacity for such a small village. Originally built in the 14th century in the Perpendicular style (late Gothic) using locally quarried granite, it was enlarged over the following two centuries with proceeds from the tin mining trade. The church was badly damaged in the Great Thunderstorm of 1638 when struck by lightning, killing 4 parishioners and injuring 60. According to local legend, this huge storm was caused by the village being visited by the Devil.

The interior of the church has many decorative roof bosses, including the tinner's emblem of a circle of three hares - known locally as the Tinners' Rabbits.

Beautiful painted wooden screens.
The size of this parish meant that for centuries families were obliged to walk miles to attend services at Widecombe on Sunday. Even more of a challenge was burying their dead. Coffins had to be carried over rough ground and up and down exceptionally steep moorland hills. Halfway up Dartmeet Hill lies the Coffin Stone, close to the road, where the body would be placed to allow bearers to take a rest. This rock is split in two along its length. Local legend says the body of a particularly wicked man was laid there. God took exception to this and struck the stone with a thunderbolt, destroying the coffin and splitting the stone in two.

As today is celebrated as Memorial Day here in the United States of America, I find it fitting to post this image captured inside St. Pancras church. From this tiny Devon village, came ten brave men who gave their lives for Britain in the two World Wars.

Enjoy your Memorial Day holiday..............and please remember our brave service men and women, both past and present....this is the true meaning of the day.