Its formal name of "The Longstone (Cross)" is a pretty apt description of what this ancient structure is. Commonly known as "Long Tom" this stick of granite stands more than 2.5 metres (9 feet) high. Taking the form of a deliberately shaped standing stone, the top quarter is marked with a carved Greek cross. As is common with these early Christian crosses, this may have been added to a much earlier menhir (standing stone) after Christianity took hold in the area.
Although it's known to be extremely difficult to age structures such as these, Long Tom is thought to be at least 600 years old, but it may be significantly older and predate the Norman conquest of 1066. One of the best-preserved wayside crosses in the United Kingdom, it is also rare in the fact it appears to be standing in its original location at the south-eastern extreme of Bodmin Moor on an ancient bridleway or footpath. Of the 20 or so wayside crosses scattered across Bodmin Moor, this is by far the most impressive and best preserved.
The Longstone stands approximately half a mile from Hurlers Stone Circle, it lies on the road between Minions and Redgate.
