Manaton Church

Spent the day path clearing, working with our walking group for the Dartmoor National Park Warden. We cleared brambles, overhanging trees etc from the path that runs from Manton to Horsham. We had great fun using slashers, scythes and bill hooks and got a lot of satisfaction from our day's work. Slinky Lane is not quite as slinky as it was but easier to walk, ride and cycle along. This peaceful place was very lovely today. Afterwards we sat in the sun in the fragrant rose garden of a typical tea room in the village of Bovey- t.he Copper Kettle, comparing wounds and having a laugh. Money can't buy these sort of days.


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 medieval - 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. 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. 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.