Red Cross Stone In Pleasaunce To The East Of Tonacombe Manor

The Red Cross Stone, located in the Pleasaunce to the east of Tonacombe Manor, is a cross shaft dating from the late 12th century. Made of grey Elvan, the shaft features a rough circular head that is inscribed with a cross-crosslet. This cross was discovered in 1918 near the path that used to connect Tonacombe Manor and Morwenstow Church. There are only three other known grey Elvan stone crosses in Cornwall, located at Padstow, Tintagel, and one near Truro, which is now in Eastbourne. The incised cross-crosslet design is unique to Cornwall, although similar motifs can be found on crosses in the Dartmoor borders. The cross-crosslet motif is believed to have originated in the late 12th century.