The Devil's playing cards

Another Dartmoor legend.

From my blog:

"High up on the B3212, the lonely moorland road between Moretonhampstead and Postbridge, sits the Warren House Inn. There has been an inn on this site for many years but the current building dates back to 1845. It is said that the peat fire has been burning continuously since that time. There are many legends associated with the inn, and you can read about them in the books on sale in the bar while you enjoy the real ales or good food that are available.

"One such legend is that of Jan Reynolds and the Devil's Playing Cards. Jan Reynolds was a tin miner from Widecombe who was more interested in drinking and gambling than in going to church on a Sunday. Finding himself short of money he made a deal with the Devil: in return for money to fund his gambling the Devil could have his soul if he was found asleep in church.

"Jan soon forgot the pact and one Sunday he fell asleep while playing cards in church. There was a sound of horses' hooves outside, and a flash of lightning so fierce that it tore off the top of the church tower, then the Devil strode into the church and snatched up the terrified miner, carrying him up into the sky and across the moor. Jan had four aces in his hand and he dropped them in what is now known as the Aces Field.

"The Aces, four field enclosures with stone walls in the shape of playing cards, can still be seen in the fields opposite the Warren House Inn, as a warning to anyone who is tempted to play cards in church. (From the inn cross the road and turn left until you see the Ace of Diamonds. Note that only two of the fields are visible from the road.)"