The grand crosses of Dartmoor's churchyards provide a sense of community spirit within the villages and towns in which they reside. Of importance to local people, these crosses would provide the focal point of a churchyard, and/or commemorate a significant event, such as a Jubilee or a World War. There are at least two sub categories of Churchyard Crosses: some predate the church and were 'praying crosses'. The others (much later in date) are memorial crosses. On Dartefacts, a 'Churchyard Cross' is defined as any cross residing within (or just outside of) a churchyard. This distinguishes them from Village Crosses. The Dartefacts team have compiled the list of crosses on this site primarily from the following references:

• Bearne, G. and Daniel, M. (2000 onwards): Dartmoor Crosses - An amazing website devoted to the crosses of Dartmoor, with a wealth of information about each one.
• Crossing, W. (1902): The Ancient Stone Crosses of Dartmoor and its Borderland. James, G. Commin, Exeter.
• Harrison, B. (2001): Dartmoor Stone Crosses. Devon Books.
• Sandles, T. (1997): A Pilgrimage to Dartmoor Crosses. Forest Publishing.
• Starkey, F.H. (1983, revised 1989): Dartmoor Crosses: And Some Ancient Tracks. A. Wheaton & Co. Ltd., Exeter.
• Ormerod, G.W. (1874): London Evening Standard Newspaper: Wayside Crosses in the District Bordering the East of Dartmoor.

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