30 November 2011

Importance of Crossing’s resting place recognised

Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Conservation Works Team has begun a programme of vital work to protect important headstones in a Dartmoor graveyard. The work in Mary Tavy churchyard, the resting place of famous Dartmoor Writer William Crossing, involves cutting back trees, clearing scrub and repairs to grade II listed structures.

The monuments, comprising enclosed burials with important headstones, were on the listed buildings at risk register. Work has also been carried out on a group of trees in close proximity to William Crossing’s grave. The work is part of a planned programme to improve the setting of his grave and a precursor to further enhancement ideas to acknowledge this much respected local historian and writer on all things Dartmoor.

The grave is also in need of attention as the headstone and enclosing curb are suffering from movement.  Work to improve the Public Right of Way with a new granite way marker showing an appropriate route through the churchyard and access to the Crossing grave will also take place.

William Crossing’s Guide to Dartmoor was first published in 1909 and continues to be recognised as one of the most important guides to Dartmoor ever produced. He was born in Plymouth in 1847, resided in Mary Tavy for a number of years towards the end of his life and, for some time, wrote for the Western Morning News, who first published his book.

The work has been made possible through the recent and latest designation by Dartmoor National Park Authority of Mary Tavy as a Conservation Area. This has enabled active preservation and enhancement of the special historic interest of the area utilising specialist staff from Dartmoor National Park Authority.

The National Park Authority has worked in partnership with the Mary Tavy community, West Devon Borough Council and St Mary’s Parochial Church Council. The Authority has also liaised with the Secretary to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Diocese of Exeter, to ensure appropriate procedures and respect for consecrated ground.         

Ends

For further information

Keith McKay, Historic Buildings Officer

Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority

Tel:(01626) 832093

Notes for Editors

The main mechanism for the care and management of our best historic settlements is based on the designation of Conservation Areas. There are 23 Conservation Areas on Dartmoor which are considered to have special architectural or historic interest. The National Park Authority has a duty to designate new conservation areas and to formulate and publish from time to time proposals for the preservation and enhancement of all its conservation areas. As part of this process the Authority has recently undertaken the production of Draft Character Appraisals which identify and define the special interest of each area and which will form the basis of planned enhancement proposals for these areas of special architectural and historic interest.

Dartmoor National Park Authority’s purposes under the Environment Act 1995 are:

•    to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park;

•    to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public.

In carrying out this work, we are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park.

Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's web site.

You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. Visit www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk and click on About us/ News.

For News Releases from all UK National Parks visit www.nationalparks.gov.uk (external website, opens new window)

For maps, guide books, trail guides, clothing and other Dartmoor merchandise visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Online Shop at www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk

There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, the Cairngorms and the Broads.  National Parks are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment.  However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers.  Over 34,500 people live in Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.