This photograph was taken by PC Graham Weekes at approximately 09:45 on 15 October 1977, roughly fourteen hours after Edith Crane was reported missing. It shows the wooden fence post at the northwestern corner of the Larkbarrow ruins where her red walking coat was discovered, neatly folded and draped over the top.
Original Scene Description
The coat appears undisturbed, positioned with apparent care rather than discarded hastily. Ground conditions are waterlogged from overnight rainfall, though as documented elsewhere, the coat itself was dry—placing Edith's presence at the ruins before the rain began around 21:30 on 14 October.
2024 Digital Enhancement
In March 2024, the Larkbarrow Investigation Group commissioned digital enhancement of this and three other scene photographs through a forensic imaging specialist in Bristol. The results revealed a detail invisible in the original print: a length of what appears to be baler twine or similar cord, tied in a loop around the fence post approximately six inches below the top.
"The twine shows clear weathering consistent with having been there some time—weeks, possibly months. But the positioning is unusual. It's not functional; it's not holding anything. It almost looks deliberate, like a marker."
— Digital imaging report, March 2024
This raises immediate questions. Was the twine already present, coincidentally, when Edith arrived? Or had someone placed it there beforehand—as a signal, a meeting point, a waymarker?
Outstanding Questions
Local farmers we've consulted confirm that baler twine was ubiquitous on Exmoor in 1977, used for everything from gate repairs to temporary fencing. However, none could explain why a single loop would be tied around an isolated fence post at a ruined farmstead with no agricultural function.
We have submitted a formal request to Devon and Somerset Police asking whether this detail was noted in the original evidence log. Given that pages 34-35 of that log remain subject to our ongoing FOI appeal, we cannot yet confirm what was documented at the time.
Did Edith know to look for this marker? Did someone guide her there?
Original photograph held by Devon and Somerset Police archives. Enhanced version available to registered members.