The Dancing Tree Cross, Moretonhampstead, Dartmoor National Park

The Dancing Tree Cross, Moretonhampstead, Dartmoor National Park

If you're on your way to see Moretonhampstead 1 and 2 The Almshouses, look out for The Dancing Tree Cross.

This was once the site of a market cross similar to the one in South Zeal. All you see today in Moretonhampstead is the head of the cross. This is because a tree grew next to the cross and eventually pushed it over. The tree carried on growing. When 'The London Inn & Tavern' was opened in 1799 in a nearby building, the tree became a focal point for celebrations. This explains the 'cross', 'tree' and 'dancing' of the name 'The Dancing Tree Cross'.