This cross is a memorial to an unknown Royalist Officer who fell in Bovey Tracey during the English Civil War. It stands at a height of 5 feet 10 inches. This is a cross that has been used for some time as a gatepost. One arm is completely missing, the other has been shortened and the head is badly damaged. There are traces of an incised cross on each face, between the arms. The shaft of the cross now bears a brass plate, with the following inscription: THIS OLD CROSS ONCE MARKED THE GRAVE OF A ROYALIST OFFICER WHO FELL NEAR HERE 1645 WHEN CROMWELL'S TROOPS DEFEATED THE ROYALISTS The cross was rescued from its use as a gatepost in 1923 by Mr A.J. Wyatt, who was responsible for setting it up in its current position and fitting the plate described above. The picture here seems to be in a different position that the one shown on this website. http://www.dartmoor-crosses.org.uk/cavalier.htm The battle of Bovey Heath took place during the English Civil War, on 9th January 1646. At the time, Bovey Tracey was occupied by the Charles I?s Royalist troops. However, Cromwell and his New Model Army, under the command of Colonel Thomas Fairfax, engaged them in battle at Heathfield (now known as Bovey Heath) and won the day.

Boddy Collection