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Unless otherwise stated, this image is the copyright of the submitter. Contact them for permission to reproduce it. |  | | Description | Devils Stone, Shebbear.
The stone lies near the village square east of the church. Its location near the church and an ancient Oak tree add weight to the diabolic association. It is turned every year on November the 5th, by local people apparently to ward off the Devil. Legend suggests that the Devil may lie under the stone.
Made from a type of quartz not found in the area, it measures about six feet by four feet and weighs about a ton. It is a possible remnant of a standing stone(s) which may have been used as a foundation stone for Henscott Church. Folk tales say it was moved by supernatural means every night across the river Torrage or that the Devil threw the stone at the church but missed. The stone turning ritual may date to times when stones were often revered or feared. Many Devon villages had a mark stone (dobbie stone), which were sometimes venerated with libations and offerings.
Map ref: SS 4409
Directions: The village can be reached from a series of minor roads off the A388, the A3072 or the A386 from Great Torrington.
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