Dartmoor National Park Devon England

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Dartmoor, Devon, England, UK

Dartmoor an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Wild and untamed.

Dartmoor is known for its tors - large hills, topped with outcrops of bedrock, which in granite country such as this are usually rounded boulder-like formations.

Dartmoor abounds with myths and legends. It is reputedly the haunt of pixies, a headless horseman, a mysterious pack of 'spectral hounds', and a large black dog. During the Great Thunderstorm of 1638, Dartmoor was even said to have been visited by the Devil.

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St. Michael's Church, Brentor, Near Tavistock, Dartmoor, Devon.

Brent Tor is a tor on the western edge of Dartmoor, approximately five miles (8 km) north of Tavistock, rising to 1100' (330m) above sea level.

The Tor is surmounted by the Church of St Michael, the parish church of the village of Brentor, which lies below the Tor.

History

Around the Tor are (apparently) Iron Age earthworks, the remnants of a Hill fort. Unusually, the fortifications are at the base of the Tor, rather than the summit as is more normal (compare with Brent Knoll in Somerset).

No serious archaeological work has been carried out on the site. However, the northern ramparts in particular are well preserved, displaying a multi-valate pattern characteristic of the Iron-A, or early -B, culture. There are 3 distinct consecutive ramparts in this sector, and traces of internal partitioning.

The Church of St Michel de Rupe ("Saint Michael of the Rock") atop the Tor dates to the 13th century, and measures 15 feet (4.6 m) wide and 37 feet (11 m) long.
The tower is 40 feet (12 m) high and houses three bells. At one point, the Church may have been used as a Beacon tower, used to spread word of enemies seen out to sea.

The Church has a capacity of approximately forty people. Although there is a newer (19th century) church (Christchurch) in the village, which is used for many services, St Michael's is still used on Christmas Day, Easter Day and for Evensong during the summer.

In 1995 the Church was struck by lightning, which caused extensive damage; but this has since been repaired.

There are many legends surrounding Brent Tor.

One of the best-known is that of the Merchant and the Storm. According to this story, an early medieaval merchant was struck by a storm in Plymouth Sound.
As the ship was on the verge of sinking, he swore that he would build a church on the highest piece of land he could see. When the storm duly dissipated, he fulfilled his promise.
It is true that Brent Tor can be seen from Plymouth Sound, and it is (apparently) the highest point.

Other legends involve the Building of the Church.

According to one version, the church was originally to be built at the bottom of the Tor, but the Devil threw the stones to the top, so the congregation built it there instead.
Another version states the opposite, and adds that St Michael himself eventually defeated the Devil and allowed the church to be completed.

Source wikipedia

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Clapper Bridge, Postbridge, Dartmoor, Devon, England, UK
A clapper bridge is an ancient form of bridge found on the moors of Devon (Dartmoor and Exmoor) and in other upland areas of the United Kingdom.

Although often believed to be of prehistoric origin, most were erected in medieval times, and some in later centuries.
They are often situated close to a ford where carts could cross.
According to the Dartmoor National Park, the word 'clapper' derives from an Anglo-Saxon word, cleaca, meaning 'bridging the stepping stones'.

Gold Panning is Easy

There's GOLD in them thar Hills
Gold panning as it used to be

Walk Dartmoor

Dartmoor Walks

Walking on Dartmoor

SAS Survival Handbook

Dartmoor can be Dangerous

If you are walking on Dartmoor

PLEASE follow the rules

Let people know your route, when you are leaving and when you expect to arrive at your destination.

Carry adequate survival equipment water, food, shelter, fire making equipment, map, compass etc.
Wear suitable clothing and take a spare kit.

The weather can change in an instant. It may be a bright sunny day when you start out....
But the weather can change VERY rapidly.... (Believe me I live here and you don't want to be caught out).

If you are walking in the areas used as firing ranges by the army (these areas are all well marked) DO NOT touch/pick up any metallic objects they could be live ammunition!