Blackaton Cross (Restored), Shaugh Prior, Dartmoor National Park

Blackaton Cross (Restored), Shaugh Prior, Dartmoor National Park

Blackaton Cross is situated on the fringe of Dartmoor's south moor where moorland meets china clay works. We've positioned Blackaton Cross on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location. To visit, head for Cadover Bridge and then follow the lane south east to Blackaton Cross. There's a car parking area that's marked on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map. This car parking area offers great access to the high south moor.

In his 'Guide to Dartmoor', William Crossing wrote:

'Beyond these [cottages and a house] we enter again upon the open moor, and here, close beside the way, shall find an interesting object. This is Blackaton Cross, often called the Roman, or Roman's Cross, a name also sometimes attached to a similar relic near Sheepstor, and to others in the neighbourhood. Only the head and the socket-stone belong to the original monument. It was furnished with the present shaft, which was cut for a window-sill at Lee Moor House, and set up by the late Mr. Phillips, who resided there [Crosses, Chap. IV.].

In 'High Dartmoor', Eric Hemery wrote:

'Blackaton Cross is a striking relic on the former pilgrims' way between the religious houses of Plympton and Tavistock, and commands a fine view northward as far as the big Walkham tors.'