Manaton

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Manaton
Devon
Cottages at Manaton - geograph.org.uk - 162020.jpg
Cottages in Manaton
Location
Grid reference: SX754812
Location: 50°37’3"N, 3°45’41"W
Data
Postcode: TQ13
Local Government

Manaton is a village on the south-eastern side of Dartmoor in Devon.

The 15th century church, in a prominent spot to the north of the village green, is dedicated to St Winifred. Three of the six bells in its tower are mediæval - markings on the oldest indicate a date of around 1440-50, making them at least as ancient as the tower itself. They are still being rung today on a regular basis by the local team of bellringers. Its rood screen was carved around 1500, but the figures were defaced during the Reformation. A granite cross once stood in the churchyard, but was destroyed in the mid-19th century by the vicar, Rev. John Charles Carwithen. He did so because he disapproved of what he considered to be a superstitious custom of carrying coffins three times around the cross before burial.

Between 1903 and 1923, the writer John Galsworthy and his wife frequently stayed in a farmhouse called Wingstone in the village.[1] It was here that he was inspired by the nearby Jay's Grave and its legend to write his short story The Apple Tree in 1916.[2]

Outside links

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References

  1. Cooper, Robert M. (1998). The Literary Guide & Companion to Southern England. Ohio University Press. pp. 323–324. ISBN 0-8214-1225-6. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=Ihsd3FGA4dQC. Retrieved 2008-09-25. 
  2. "Kitty Jay". Legendary Dartmoor. http://www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/kitty_Jay.htm. Retrieved 2008-09-25.