A quick trip across the moors. . . . . . . .

Dartmoor National Park is an area of moorland in South Devon 
covering 368 sq mi. It was my 'playground' on many a weekend 
as a child. . . . . a quite magical, historical place, one which I'm 
always thrilled to visit when home.

Besides the massive granite rock formations called 'tors' on the uplands, 

tucked into the valleys are farms and tiny villages.

I so wanted Jasmin to visit Dartmoor during our visit in June.

Fortunately my wonderful friend Jackie - she of the beautiful garden I recently shared 

with you HERE - picked us up one morning and took us across Dartmoor, on to Plymouth 

and then Dartmouth (both coming up in another post).

Despite cloudy skies we were able to enjoy views as I related my childhood 

stories - such as falling into the River Dart from a boulder at a favorite 

spot called Dartmeet whilst on a Sunday family picnic. A close call I was told 

when older. We wondered if the same boulder was still there along the bank, 

or has it moved down river during sixty plus years!!!

Dartmeet - where the River Dart is so beautiful.

We stopped here for coffee - and Jasmin enjoyed a 'cream tea' - I think

she loves them as much as I do! It's where we were able to photograph 

the beautiful peacocks HERE, also miniature ponies and goats.

HM Prison Dartmoor 

Opened in 1809 to accommodate prisoners 

of the Napoleonic Wars with France. 

A foreboding sight to come upon in the small moorland town of 

Princetown. It is still in use and currently has over 600 inmates, much changed 

from its original days when at one time it housed over 6,000 prisoners!

The whole story here is quite fascinating.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HM_Prison_Dartmoor

Dartmoor is often referred to as 'the last wilderness'.

Over the past 12,000 years man has hunted, farmed, mined, quarried, and 

lived on and around Dartmoor.

A place of intrigue and fascination.

If you've visited you already know that - if you have a chance to 

visit be sure to go.

Cockington Village History . . . . .

 Continuing our recent afternoon walk through Cockington Village - known now as 

Cockington Country Park. . . . . . . . .

Granddaughter Jasmin and Bob 

 . . . . . . . we visited The Drum Inn, the local pub/restaurant in the village. 
Designed by Edwin Lutyens, perhaps the greatest British architect of the 20th 
century, it opened in 1936 to replace the old village ale house.

One of my aunts was married at Cockington Church and the reception was held 
here, and I recall attending, I must have been about six.

Cockington Court and the cricket pitch where, as a child, I spent many a Sunday 
afternoon picnicking and watch friends of our family play a match - the cricket 
was boring, the picnic food good!
The manor house, focal point of the estate, was built in the 16th century. 
Later, when owned by the Mallocks, friends of Agatha Christie's 

family, she would overcome her usual crippling shyness and perform in 
amateur theatrical productions staged at the mansion.

Cockington Church of St. George & St. Mary.

The 66 foot tower, circa 1210-1230 is the oldest part of the building.

The entry and porch is built into the tower.

The interior of the church today.

The exquisite carved rood screen separating the chancel from the nave.

Stained Glass Windows.

Amazing how a country walk in fresh air and sunshine can make one hungry.

Who would have thought we'd be ready for a real Devon Cream Tea after that 

huge brunch earlier - but we were, and the Weaver's Cottage Tea Shoppe was 
offering the best in the village. The outdoor tables were filled - we waited a short 
while and then were able to grab one and enjoy a good pot of tea, fresh baked 
scones, strawberry jam and real Devon clotted cream - delicious!

Cockington is a special place holding many wonderful memories from 
my long ago childhood years - I will never tire of returning and hope for more
 visits in the future.