I would imagine that ever since the time mankind began to live in settlements there has always been some rivalry between the neighbouring clans. Sometimes this would be fairly light-hearted and with others downright hostile. Part of this inter-tribal exchange would be to give various nicknames to the folk …
Read More »Redlake Tramway
Today the old Redlake Railway track provides an eight mile picturesque walk up into the southern wilderness of Dartmoor. With wide ranging views and peace and quite virtually guaranteed it makes for a splendid day out. As the old track winds its way up to the moor there are the …
Read More »Fox Tor Farm
“In nettles, stereobate; deep, stands Fox Tor Farm, and the plant—sure and faithful follower of man— is significant upon this sequestered fastness : for hither it came with those who toiled to reclaim the region in the past, and no other nettles shall be found for miles. Other evidences …
Read More »Droning on Dartmoor
Since Christmas I have received several messages or email like this one; “Dear Legendary Dartmoor, I would like to film some aerial footage of Dartmoor with my drone and was wondering if there are any restrictions laid down by the National Park Authority as to where I could or …
Read More »The Saviour Rock
During the late March of 2017 there was a great deal of excitement on Dartmoor which brought locals and pilgrims from afar out to the remote Great Staple Tor on Dartmoor. All were trying to find ‘The Saviour’s Rock’ which had caused something of a mini media storm. The story …
Read More »Joseph Denny
Over the centuries there have been numerous attempts, a few successful many not, to break out of Dartmoor Prison. However seldom has anyone tried to break into Dartmoor Prison but back in 1890 one man made this his mission. The reason for this bizarre quest was one of revenge …
Read More »Princep’s Folly
Back in 1905 William Crossing first published his work – ‘Gems in a Granite Setting‘ and in this he notes that on Gidleigh tor a house was built and the ruins were still visible. He also suggests that locally it was said that the house was never finished. However …
Read More »Roborough Down Murder
Roborough Down – the placename was first documented in the index of the Charters and Rolls of 1114 when it appears as Rueberge. The name originated from two Anglo Saxon words – ruh (rough), beorg (hill) and dun (down) which translates as ‘Rough Hill Down’. There is evidence of man’s …
Read More »Princetown’s Pocket Power Station
Providing services to remote areas such as Dartmoor has always been a challenge and none more so that ensuring the adequate supply of electricity, especially in the cold winter months. Back in the 1950s the local newspapers often had reports of power cuts, especially in the Princetown area. Such as …
Read More »Dewerstone Dilemma
Here’s a question for you – have you ever been sat at your favourite spot on Dartmoor and wished that you owned it, (I know I have on many occasions)? Here’s another question; if you did own it what kind of public access would you allow? Would you follow in …
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