Chasing Crockern
Who is Old Crockern? What is the true spirit of Dartmoor?
Between March 2024 and 2025, Dartmoor-based storytellers Lisa Schneidau and Sara Hurley embarked on a journey through the moor’s rich tapestry of tales.
For generations, Old Crockern – the enigmatic spirit of Dartmoor, first described by Victorian author Sabine Baring-Gould – has appeared in folklore, legend, and more recently, as a symbol of protest. But who, or what, is Crockern? And how does Dartmoor’s spirit resonate with people today?
Sara and Lisa delved into Dartmoor’s folklore, working with local communities to explore how these stories live on today. Through workshops, story walks, and conversations with schoolchildren and elders, they collected and created new tales – of three hares in Chagford, black dogs in Princetown, mer-pixies in Meavy, and a phoenix in Widecombe-in-the-Moor. They met passionate locals who hold Dartmoor’s history close, uncovering personal stories that intertwine with the myths of the land.
An exhibition curated by Monica-Shanta ran alongside the tour, exploring the question: What does the spirit of Dartmoor mean to you? Featuring photography by young Dartmoor residents, alongside video, sound clips, illustrations, and stories gathered during the project, the exhibition was open at Field System gallery in Ashburton from 10th to 15th March.
Generously supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England, using money raised by National Lottery players, this project is a collaboration between Dartmoor-based storytellers Sara Hurley and Lisa Schneidau and Devon arts charity Villages in Action.
Date: Wednesday 5th August
Venue: Manor Pavilion