Rocks

As always nothing is simple on Dartmoor and the distinction between a tor and rocks is one such example. The term ‘rocks’ can be used in two separate ways when alluding to granite outcrops. Firstly there are the instances where the term ‘rocks is used as a place-name suffix. In effect they could easily be called ‘tors’ but for some reason the ‘rocks’ suffix has been attached. Examples of the occurrence would be Blacktor Rocks, Heytor Rocks, Greator Rocks, Kestor Rock, etc. As can be seen, the first place-name element still retains and incorporates the word ‘tor’.

The second way the word ‘rocks’ can be used is as a substitute for the descriptive element, ‘tor’. In effect these places are tors but again for some unknown reason are deemed ‘rocks’. Such places include Ausewell Rocks, Bonehill Rocks, Hemstone Rocks, etc. In some cases it could be argued that the term ‘rocks’ refers to a more or less completely eroded tor such as in the case of Prince Hall Rocks but then the theory breaks down when ones looks at Bonehill Rocks. The table below shows many of both of the above instances which in some cases can be found in the list of tors as well: