Dartmoor National Park Authority

Walkhampton Common

The PAL, which centres on the upper reaches of the River Meavy and its tributaries, contains a diverse and scattered selection of archaeological sites of all periods. Of particular interest are the relationships of the prehistoric settlement sites with each other, with major land boundaries and with ritual features. The very extensive areas of tin working make this one of the best areas for studying Dartmoor’s industrial history.

Set amongst later features is a rich prehistoric ritual landscape, around 4,000 years old.  There are at least eight stone rows, some single, some double, some isolated, others close to one another, generally lying on the higher slopes, above the later prehistoric settlement.  They include the spectacular stone row at Down Tor.  There are also numerous round stony burial mounds (cairns), some in association with stone rows, others isolated or in groups. This area is also rich in cist burials (a rectangular pit lined with granite slabs, originally covered by a cairn).

Prehistoric settlement sites occur throughout the PAL, although mainly in the southern and central areas.  The remains of stone-built round houses (hut circles) generally occur in groups, some free-standing, others, the majority, within or around drystone walled enclosures.  The pattern of some of these enclosures can be very complex, suggesting perhaps, development over a period of time. Two long straight parallel field boundaries (reaves) can clearly be seen crossing the landscape in a NNE/SSW direction, west of the Princetown-Yelverton road.  These are probably territorial markers; the western one, known as the Great Western Reave is over 10km (six miles) in total length and probably marks the upper limit of enclosed land in prehistoric times.  Reaves appear on the ground as low stony, vegetation-covered banks.  The relationship between the long straight reaves and the settlements within their curving enclosure walls is intriguing, but both are around about 3,500 years old.

Evidence for agricultural activity in the medieval period is limited, with a possible medieval longhouse or two at Stanlake and small piles of stones (clearance cairns), in what were to become the Stanlake fields.  Other settlement sites, outwardly later in date, have medieval origins, e.g. Combeshead, Crazywell, Deancombe and Kingseat: surrounding these are field systems, mainly of a post-medieval character. More extensive are the remains of medieval and later tin working activity.  Stream working occurs along the lengths of the Meavy and its tributaries, the Har Tor Brook and Newlycombe Lake, with openworks and trial and lode-back pits elsewhere.  Tin processing was also carried out within the area and there are some important late medieval tin mills and associated leats.  The Devonport Leat, constructed in 1789 to provide water to the town, passes through this area.

Individual settlement sites (prehistoric and later), the prehistoric boundaries and most of the ritual features have been designated as Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs), as has the large areas of tin working and processing.

The ecology of the area consists of mainly acid grassland with areas of heathland. Several UK BAP species are present associated with a range of habitats. The key species are Fairy Shrimp, Snipe, Wilson’s and Tunbridge Filmy Ferns. Pearl-bordered Fritillary and High Brown Fritillary are found on adjacent land.

What it should look like: This area should be a mosaic of acid grassland and Heathland. Much of the grassland will be short (less than 20 cm) except where Heather, up to 30 cm high, predominates in the northeast of the PAL. The existing conifer plantation and other trees should be removed. Localised concentrations of Bracken and Common Gorse require control. The ultimate aim would be their removal across substantial areas of the PAL.  

Interactive Mapping (GIS) System

The link below provides access to an interactive map which shows the PAL at Walkhampton Common.  You can zoom in further on a specific area of interest using the tools provided.  (For additional help using the system please refer to our GIS help page.)

Page updated 16 September 2009