About 2 miles to the north-west of Bagtor are the HEYTOR ROCKS, a spur of Dartmoor, and a favourite spot for summer excursions. In this neighbourhood was born, in 1581, John Ford the dramatist, a member of the Fords of Islington, [Ilsington] and a Devonshire worthy. After bequeathing to posterity his "Lover's Melancholy," "Broken Heart," "Love's Sacrifice," and other tragedies, he died at the age of 53, at his native place. […]. That he was a grave, and somewhat sorrowful man, is indicated by a contemporary satirist in the following lines: -

"Deep in a dump John Ford alone was gat,
With folded arms and melancholy hat."

[Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]