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Close up of Fointain at Abbey front, Stapehill

Stapehill

in the county of Dorset

Portland

Portland

a Seaside Town in the county of Dorset

Pictures of Jay's Grave

in the town of Widecombe in the Moor, in the county of Devon

About Jay's Grave

As English legends go, that of Jay's Grave is a very sad and lonely one.

The ancient Dartmoor legend of Jay's Grave is about a young lady known locally as 'Kitty Jay'.

The legend dates back to the late 18th century where an orphaned pauper child subsequently named Kitty Jay was sent to a 'poor house', situated in East Street, in the market town of Newton Abbot, Devon, England.

As with all the residents of the poor house, once old enough, Kitty Jay was sent out to work. She was sent to Canna farm, where she was expected to carry out both household and farm duties. It was within this time that Kitty Jay, now a blossoming young lady, caught the eye of the farmer's son. A brief relationship took place and resulted in Kitty Jay becoming pregnant. It is said that the farmer's son denied any involvement with her and as such Kitty Jay was all alone in her forthcoming birth.

Of course back in those days, to be pregnant out of wedlock was an utter disgrace and totally unacceptable. As a result Kitty Jay was made an outcast of the town and given a bad reputation.

Sadly, this was too much for Kitty Jay to take and she committed suicide by way of hanging herself in one of the barns on the farm.

Opinions and custom at the time meant that Kitty Jay could not be buried in consecrated ground due to her suicide and so was cheated of a traditional Christian burial. Instead she was buried at a crossroad on the Parish Boundary between the villages of Widecombe and Manaton.

Legend says that a dark, sad looking figure is frequently seen visiting the grave. Tales report it may be that of the farmer's son, sent to watch over the grave of Kitty and his unborn child.

In latter years the remains from Kitty's grave are said to have been examined, the findings of which are said to have contained the remains of a young female.

It is reputed that fresh flowers are placed at Kitty's grave on a daily basis. Whomever places them there is unknown and all tied up in this enchanting, yet very sad tale.

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Recommended towns & villages near Jay's Grave

2nd Winter picture of Postbridge Clapper.

Postbridge (19 Pictures)

in the county of Devon

(5.0 miles, 8.0 km, direction W)

Postbridge is a tiny hamlet, yet this richly wooded area, at the heart of the moor has become a natural starting point for the thousands of visitors who annually come to explore the splendour and wonders of the moor...

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Dartmeet (14 Pictures)

a Picturesque Village in the county of Devon

(5.7 miles, 9.1 km, direction SW)

A popular tourist and beauty spot on Dartmoor. It is the meeting point of the two major tributaries of the River Dart: the East Dart and West Dart...

Drewsteignton Village Church, Devon

Drewsteignton (43 Pictures)

a Picturesque Village in the county of Devon

(6.9 miles, 11.0 km, direction N)

This attractive village is one of the most beautifully laid out of all Devon villages with pretty cottages set around a fine village square...

Okehampton Castle in Devon

Okehampton (15 Pictures)

in the county of Devon

(13.1 miles, 21.0 km, direction NW)

There has been a settlement at Okehampton since the Bronze-Age, later it became a prosperous Saxon town with the Saxon Lords being overthrown at the time of the Conquest...

Exeter Cathedral Roof

Exeter (236 Pictures)

a Historic City in the county of Devon

(13.8 miles, 22.3 km, direction NE)

Exeter is a bustling city in the heart of the county of Devon. It's mix of modern and functional with old and cultural makes for an interesting place to live, and to visit...

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Recommended attractions near Jay's Grave

Road in Dartmoor, Hound Tor, Dartmoor, County Devon, England

Hound Tor Medieval Village (1 Pictures)

(1.0 miles, 1.6 km)

..

Becky Falls, Bovey Tracey, Dartmoor

Becky Falls (14 Pictures)

(1.5 miles, 2.4 km, direction E)

Becky Falls is a romantic beauty spot hidden in the countryside close to the old town of Bovey Tracey. The spot is noted for its.....

One of the huts at the Bronze-Age village of Grimspound, on Dartmoor

Grimspound (4 Pictures)

(2.0 miles, 3.3 km, direction W)

Dartmoor often makes its visitors uneasy with haunting tales of terror as immortalised in the stories of Conan Doyle, and this.....

Looking down the Okement, Dartmoor National Park, Devon

Dartmoor National Park (801 Pictures)

(5.2 miles, 8.3 km, direction W)

An exploration of the hauntingly beautiful Dartmoor National Park cannot be under-taken in just one short visit. To truly explore.....

Fernworthy Stone Circle, near Chagford, Devon

Fernworthy Stone Circle (1 Pictures)

(5.5 miles, 8.8 km, direction NW)

Fernworthy Stone Circles are set against the majestic backdrop of some of Dartmoor's highest peaks, in a beautiful forest spot.....


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Complete A to Z of attractions in England