The Longstone

By Allan | Sunday, 13 September 2026 at 11:40
Category: Writing

In the Feathered Tree, Polly often likens Quinn to an ancient standing stone called the Long Stone which stands on Challacombe Common on Exmoor.

The Stone is 2 foot 2 inches wide (66cms) and 7 inches deep (18cms)

It stands 9 feet high (2 metres 74cms).

The ridge upon which it stands is one of the highest parts of Exmoor. To the south-east lies Long Stone Barrow and further east can be found Wood Barrow.

It is thought to have been erected in the Bronze Age, which means it is at least 2,900 years old.

Here is a picture of the Long Stone.

Quinn isn’t over 2 and a half metres tall, neither is he 66 centimetres wide – but you can imagine how Polly might see his size and strength in these terms.

The Raven King Café

By Allan | Tuesday, 1 September 2026 at 11:29
Category: Writing

This is the illustration that inspired me to name the Raven King Café in Barton.

It was drawn by Lisbeth Cheever-Gessaman.

It would fit in perfectly with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, I think.