Dartmoor National Park Authority

Dartmoor's Cultural Heritage

Dartmoor has a rich and varied cultural heritage, ranging from the remains of prehistoric chambered tombs, about four and a half thousand years old, through buildings and settlements of medieval and later origin, to its customs and traditions, some, such as the famous Widecombe Fair, still thriving. All combine to give Dartmoor a distinctive character, showing how people and landscape have influenced each other over thousands of years and rendering it a fascinating place both to visit and to live in.

• 17,500 entries recorded on the Historic Environment Record
• 1,208 Scheduled Monuments
• 2,561 Listed Buildings
• 23 Conservation Areas
• Archive of 160 oral history recordings

The Dartmoor National Park Authority contributes towards the conservation and enhancement of Dartmoor's cultural heritage in a variety of ways, through practical works on the ground, the giving of advice and grant-aid and the undertaking of research.

Promotion of the understanding and enjoyment of Dartmoor's special qualities is undertaken through the production of interpretive literature and audio material and through guided walks and talks.

This Cultural Heritage content is divided into the following topics:

• Dartmoor's archaeological heritage
• Dartmoor's historic built environment
• Dartmoor's historic landscape
• Dartmoor's historic features
• Dartmoor's Customs and Traditions
• Dartmoor's memory: "Moor Memories" oral history project

Page updated 7 December 2009