Beardown Man Standing Stone

Standing stones were erected during prehistoric times. The purpose of the stones is not known but they probably had a ritual significance. Pettit in his "Prehistoric Dartmoor" comments that 'large undressed stones standing by themselves are rare on Dartmoor'. Considering the suitable blocks strewn widely over the moor this is surprising?. Beardown Man is the tallest standing stone or menhir on Dartmoor.