The Merrivale Menhir

Burnard called the stone a Maenhir, the modern spelling is menhir. On Ordnance Survey maps these stones are described as standing stones. 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.'