Goldsmith's Cross, near Fox Tor Mire

Goldsmith's Cross, looking north-east across Fox Tor Mire

Goldsmith's Cross stands upon the high moor on the edge of Fox Tor Mire. It is almost certainly one of the many that once acted as waymarkers on the monastic track between the abbeys of Buckland and Buckfast. William Crossing was the first person to record the existence of this track across the moor and in his famous 'Guide to Dartmoor' he referred to it as the "monks' path".

Goldsmith's Cross stands to the west of the cross surmounting Childe's Tomb, from which it is visible. The cross to the west of Goldsmith's Cross is currently Siward's Cross, standing close to Nun's Cross Farm.

The cross is carved from granite and is obviously shorter than it was originally, the shaft having been reduced in height. It was rediscovered by Lt. Goldsmith in 1903 having been thrown down and broken upon the moor not far from its original position. Goldsmith oversaw its repair with metal staples and the re-erection of the cross upon the boulder in which it formerly stood.

It's well-worth visiting Goldsmith's Cross as it lies within easy reach of several other medieval Dartmoor crosses, including Childe's Tomb and the cross at Mount Misery and on Ter Hill.

Goldsmith Cross looking into the eastern extent of the Dartmoor National Park

The cross also enjoys tremendous views north across Fox Tor Mire and towards the eastern side of the Dartmoor National Park. There is a Bronze Age stone-lined tomb or kistvaen in the vicinity.

Access: via Tor Royal Lane accessed at Princetown. There are several car parks above the Devonport Leat.

Sources:
'Guide to Dartmoor', William Crossing, 1981
'Dartmoor Crosses and Some Ancient Tracks', F. H. Starkey, 1989