CHIPS WITH EVERYTHING
A small microchip, similar to that used for microchipping a pet, has been developed for this purpose.

Firstly as a deterrent to would-be thieves, and secondly as a means of retrieving those that have been stolen.

The procedure is simple; a minute hole is drilled somewhere into the artefact, the microchip inserted and covered, the details recorded and by the simple use of a detector/reader the stone can be identified.

Returned to its original site after being used as a gatepost

This is not a new phenomenon,though. Years ago things disappeared from across the moor. The old-type 'lengthman', when looking for easy stones to crack to repair the roads, used the most easily available material.

Some of that were the hut circles and the like that were close by the road. Some large items were also 'recycled' - Ouldsbrim (Ouldsbroom) Cross was taken away and the arms knocked off to make a gatepost.

In the 1950s it was restored to its original site and some of the metal gate hanging features are still visible on it.

Dunstone Cross was returned because of the kindness of a local benefactor

Another, Dunstone Cross, fell over in the early 1800s and was taken away and erected in Widecombe Vicarage garden as a decoration.

In 1980 it was returned and re-erected where it belonged by the kindness of a local benefactor, Miss M. Hamlyn.

A new publication by The Dartmoor National Park Authority titled "Merrivale; An Archaeological Landscape", is a 28 page colour booklet containing lots of information about the area and a general description of Dartmoor's pre-history, and reading it will give you an idea of the vast amount of interesting items to be seen all over Dartmoor.

Price £3.50 obtainable from the DNP Information Centres.

So be warned and keep a wary eye on the interesting stones in your locality.

See you next time.

Yer old mate, Tony

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