Standing under the Holly at Sourton Church, Dartmoor – I’m reminded that the festive season is all too soon nearly upon me.  Whilst the golden glow on the far-side, through the leaded church window warms me with the promise of Winter Solstice – and thoughts of longer days – and longer walks in New Year…Meantime, in early November – when the days have suddenly shortened as if overnight – and are often grey and sombre befitting the solemnity of Remembrance, I often take off for a couple of hours and seek the company of angels. Not those from another dimension – but rather the two dimensional type that are carved in stone – on monumental headstones…

As a seasonable change to striding over open moorland – I go in search of angels – tiptoeing softly around Dartmoor’s enclosed spaces, where the accompaniment of Rooks and Crows circling the belfry – and the wind stirring through the trees – only enhances this quiet November pastime.

Sun going down on angelic headstones at Sourton Churchyard – Dartmoor

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Here are a selection of angelic faces gathered from Dartmoor’s churchyards – in praise of the local stonecutters’ skilled dexterity and beautiful—beautiful artistry…

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A weathered poppy found nestled in a crevice on Bellever Tor.