Original - The MAN & Other Families

28 The Ancient Stone Crossesand a little further on, we shall again approach the row ofstones which runs from Butterdon Hill towards Sharp Tor,and which here crosses our grassy track. This will now takeus down a slope, and after passing the source of a rivulet thatfalls into the Erme, just below Harford, we shall soon reachthe moor gate.A walk of a few minutes will bring us to Harford Church,a little sanctuary pleasingly situated an the verge of thecommon. Here may be seen an altar tomb, on which is abrass with an effigy of a knight in complete armour. Itrepresents Thomas Williams, Speaker of the House ofCommons, in the reign of Elizabeth, and who died in 1566.A mural monument will also be observed, erected by JohnPricleaux, to the memory of his parents, who were buriedhere. His father and mother are represented, with theirtwelve children, seven sons and five daughters.In the centreis the Bishop in his robes, and underneath is an inscriptiontelling of him who rests below.From Harford a path leads by the vicarage, and crossingButter Brook by a single stone clapper, passes near therugged pile of Tor Rocks. The road is regained just oppositethe gate of Broomhill Farm, and a short distance further on itskirts the grounds of Lukesland, the pleasantly situated seatof Mr. James J.Mac Andrew. The mansion was built aboutforty years ago, close to the site of an older house, calledLukesland Grove, which was then pulled down. It presentsan imposing appearance, and the grounds about it are so carefullylaid out that a perfect harmony with the surroundings ispreserved. Although standing some six hundred feet abovesea level, the mansion, of which but a glimpseis obtainablefrom the road, is remarkably well sheltered.Soon after passing the lodge gates of Lukesland, the moremodern residence of Erme Wood will be observed on theright hand, and not far beyond this, just after commencingthe descent of the hill, Stowford is reached. The old househas, in great part, disappeared, and the modern one hasnothing in the shape of architectural beauties to recommendit. From Stowford we shall make our way to Ivybridge, thepleasing situation of which, and delightful surroundings, havecombined to render it one of the most favourite resorts onthe southern confines of the moor.