The Green at Meavy and The Royal Oak

In his //Pictorial Records//, Burnard writes: > //The ancient village of Meavy still retains much of its old-time appearance, for it possesses a venerable oak which Mrs Bray thought might have witnessed the Saxon Heptarchy, if not the Roman Conquest, a 15th century church dedicated to St. Peter, with portions dating from a much earlier period, the remains of an Elizabethan manor house, a picturesque old mill, and a few interesting cottages. There is no doubt of the great antiquity of the oak, for although of big girth the timber forming the bole has quite disappeared, and the tree is supported only by a mere shell. It has lately been propped on the western side, and but for this support it must have succumbed to the [LinkToda3336 blizzard gale of March 9th, 1891]. It is to be hoped that the friendly hands which have thus far intervened to preserve this relic from destruction will continue to exercise such commendable preservative influence. Under the shadow of the tree is the base of the village cross, with a granite post inserted, doing duty for the shaft which has disappeared. It would be a credit to the parish if a new shaft were procured on the pattern of that at [LinkToda3080 Merchent's Cross] and inserted in the old base.// The village cross can be seen just to the left of the Royal Oak tree. It dates from around the 15th century, and was discovered by the rector, W.A. Gordon Gray. He is said to have restored it the year Burnard took this photograph. The photograph is dated May 9th, 1891.