A row of approximately 50 roadside upright stones beside the A386 road just above the iconic Engine House at Wheal Betsy (built in 1868) on Black Down are known as ‘Annie Pinkham’s Men’. Their obvious purpose was as a safety feature (crash barrier) to prevent carts, carriages and latterly cars from tumbling over the edge of the Cholwell Brook valley. Their effectiveness as a safety barrier is probably very doubtful as they are likely dated from 19th century. There are three local tales, as to why these upright stones have been named ‘Annie Pinkham’s Men’.
What is clear from all three tales is that it is known that Annie lived in Peter Tavy and worked in Lydford. The first tale suggests that she was ‘very friendly who sought and liked the company of men’. Each stone was said to represent one of her ‘boyfriends’ which she would pass on her way to work. The second version of the tale is quite similar and states that Annie on her days off would walk home from Lydford to Peter Tavy passing her ‘men’, with whom she would often jokingly said waved or spoke to her as she passed by. A third tale is a little more sinister, with Annie walking home one dark night. When she looked around she saw a gang of men following her. The tale continues that fearing the worst Annie began to run. However, every time she looked back the gang of men were still there. She found refuge at a nearby house (presumably near or in Mary Tavy). Annie related her story to the occupants of the house. On investigation there was no sign of any sinister gang of me, just the line of upright stones alongside the road. Apparently from that day the stones were called ‘Annie Pinkham’s Men’.
There is a footpath below the ‘men’ which can be safely walked (to avoid the A386). On this path, it is clear that several of ‘Annie Pinkham’s Men’ have fallen over the edge into the long grass or in some cases further. Artefacts of interest in the area include the 19th century Wheal Betsy and an early 19th century Milestone
Bibliography
- Dartmoor Newsletter – Issue 39, page 14
- Annie Pinkham’s Men – Legendary Dartmoor
- Tim Jenkinson (2005 – 2008) – A386 Tavistock to Okehampton (Report – Survey). SDV323813.
