Archaeology on Exmoor

Archaeology on Exmoor - Exmoor has nearly 4000 known archaeological sites representing some 8000 years of human activity, and more discoveries are being mader.

The earliest remains date from the late Mesolithic (8000-4000 BC), and comprise small flint implements called microliths. The first settled communities built a range of monuments and Exmoor is especially rich in prehistoric standing stones as well as nearly 400 burial mounds.

Prehistoric hut circles and field systems dating from the Neolithic 4000-2000BC and Bronze Age 2000-700BC can also be found on Exmoor.

Roman activity on Exmoor comprises two fortlets on the coast at Old Burrow and Martinhoe. Exmoor has a number of Roman forts on its southern side and it appears as if the Romans exploited the iron deposits on Exmoor

Post-Roman Exmooroffers several inscribed stones eg the Culbone Stone and the Caractacus Stone on Winsford Hill, some early Christian church dedications and some early place-names. Exmoor has three Norman castles one of which, Dunster, was rebuilt in stone. Two priories were founded in the medieval period at Dunster and Barlynch. The settlement pattern of farms, hamlets and villages was largely established by the end of the 13th century. Several settlements were abandoned in the medieval period and these form a valuable insight into life on Exmoor in medieval times - the best preserved is at Badgworthy.

More recently Exmoor has been the home to a number of major estates and `improving' families, who sought to better Exmoor's agriculture and infrastructure. Their influence is a constant presence in the modern landscape, in the architecture, roads, field patterns and settlements.

Three constant themes underpin Exmoor's archaeology and help to explain why the human landscape has developed in the ways it has. Firstly farming has always played and continues to play a central place on Exmoor. Secondly iron mining has been a major influence over the last 2000 years. Thirdly Exmoor's relationship with its coastline. This has been fundamental, both as an essential means of communication and trade, but also since the end of the 18th century as a tourist destination, which has helped to shape the coastal settlements and give them their unique character.

A feature of Exmoor's archaeology is its good preservation. This is in large part due to the lack of intensive agricultural improvement in the past.

Archaeological Sites to Visit
These sites are either in public ownership or are accessible on public rights of way or via permissive paths and access land. However, you are advised to use an Ordnance Survey Map (Outdoor Leisure 9 - Exmoor) and 'The Field Archaeology of Exmoor' (by H Riley and R Wilson-North, published by English Heritage in 2001). Both are available from National Park visitor centres and local outlets. Please be aware that many archaeological sites on Exmoor are on private land. When in doubt you should always seek permission and always observe the country code.

• Chetsford Water - Bronze Age Field System and Hut circles - SS 8513 4247
• Almsworthy Common - Neolithic/Bronze Age stone setting - SS 8430 4171
• Chapman Barrows - Bronze Age burial mounds - SS 695 435
• Timberscombe - Iron Age enclosure - SS 9572 4139
• Bat's Castle - Iron Age hillfort-SS9881 4213
• Wind Hill - Iron Age promontory fort - SS 7405 4936
• Cow Castle - Iron Age hillfort -SS 7945 3735
• Old Burrow - Roman Fortlet -SS 7880 4934
• Martinhoe - Roman Fortlet -SS 6630 4933
• Caractacus Stone - inscribed memorial stone - SS 8898 3355
• Culbone Stone - inscribed stone - SS 8320 4735
• St Culbone Church - early Christian dedication -SS 842 483
• Dunster - castle built on Norman motte and bailey castle - SS9911 4344
• Punster - medieval market town - SS 992 438
• Dulverton - medieval market town-SS 914 279
• Badgworthy - deserted medieval settlement - SS 7935 4445
• Burcombe - iron mining remains - SS 750 383
• North Hill - WWII tank training grounds - SS 954 475
• Burrow Farm - engine house - ST 009 345

Contributed by: Jim Johns