Bowerman's Nose
Hound Tor |
In the neighbouring parish of Manaton (see map) can be found two of the most striking of Dartmoor's famous tors. Scientists tell us today that the tors are naturally-created remains of the volcanic activity which created Dartmoor, worn down by centuries of wind and rain. The strangely human (or animal) forms of these rocks led earlier generations to different conclusions... Many of the Dartmoor legends involve the Devil. On windswept nights, he is reputed to scour the open moor with his evil hounds. According to local legend, Bowerman was a "bowman" at around the time of the Norman conquest. He was out on the open moor with his hounds when he ran into the Evil Huntsman or in some versions a coven of witches. Either way, he was turned into the strange figure you can see here, and his hound became Hound Tor. You can just make out the face of the hound, which always reminds me of K9 from Doctor Who (for those of you who are old enough to remember!). |
|
Jay's Grave |
JAY'S GRAVE Near to Hound Tor can be found Jay's Grave. "Mary Jay", or "Kitty Jay" was a poor farm girl who became pregnant after a liaison with the farmer's son. In her shame she hanged herself. Her body was buried at the cross-roads where three parishes meet, to ward away evil spirits. During the last century the grave was opened. It was found that it did indeed contain the remains of a young woman. The strangest, and the nicest, aspect of this sad story can be seen even to this day. At any time of the year, Jay's Grave is always graced with fresh flowers, although no-one has ever admitted to putting them there. Pixies or benevolent spirits have been credited with this kindly act.
|
|
Celia Ann Leaman, a writer born in Moreton, now living in Canada, based her novel Mary's Child around the legend. Published in electronic form by Twilight Times books, Mary's Child was nominated for the Frankfurt Ebook awards.
|
Postbridge Clapper Bridge |
THE HAIRY HANDS The arrival of the motor vehicle on Dartmoor has brought us one of the more recent legends in the area. It occurs the B3212 between Moretonhampstead and Princetown near Postbridge. Several drivers, or motorbike riders crossing the moor at night have reported feeling a pair of hairy hands grabbing the steering wheel or the handlebars. The unfortunate victims leave the road, and in some cases, such as a Doctor in 1921, have lost their lives. In recent years the Dartmoor National Park Authority have introduced a 40 m.p.h. speed limit to protect the livestock which roams free across the moor. Will this protect the drivers from the hairy hands? it is perhaps too early to say. |
|
The Evil Rider
|
Listen to the MED theatre's short play about the dark tale of the mysterious Evil Rider.
Click here to download and play. (The download may take a few minutes) |
