Jay's Grave

Jay’s Grave is a small burial mound beside a quiet lane on Dartmoor in Devon. It stands about a mile north-west of Hound Tor, where the road to Natsworthy begins. The site has no headstone with an inscription, only a rough granite block at one end. Fresh flowers often appear on the mound, though no one admits to leaving them. The grave is surrounded by rough grass and moorland heather, with open moor stretching beyond. The story behind the grave dates back to the late 18th century. Local tradition says a young woman named Mary Jay hanged herself in a barn after being cast out of a farm. Because suicide was not allowed in consecrated ground, she was buried at a crossroads without Christian rites. Over the years the tale has grown, with some versions naming her Kitty Jay or placing the event at different farms. Visitors find a simple grassy mound marked by two upright stones. A narrow path leads to the site from the lane, and the spot is easy to reach on foot. The open moorland around offers wide views of the tors and valleys. Many who pass by leave flowers, adding to the quiet mystery of the place.