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History of Exmoor
The very earliest evidence of human
settlement is almost entirely confined to the areas around
Exmoor, rather than on the moor itself. It is likely that
Exmoor was not settled until around 1800-1500 BC. From this
period can be seen stone circles at Porlock Hill, Almsworthy
Common and Withypool Hill. There are also several round barrows
and burial mounds belonging to this period, the latest count
being almost 350. Groups of these barrows occur in several
places - Chapman Barrows (SS 695 435) has eleven bowl shaped
examples, and just to the east are Longstone Barrow and Wood
Barrow. There are also Standing Stones from this period, including
the Long Stone (SS 705 431).
From the Iron Age (500 BC to 43 AD)
there are surviving monuments in the remains of the hill forts.
Road Castle (SS 863 376), Cow Castle (SS 795 374) and Staddon
Hill Camp (SS 882 377) are good examples, but perhaps the
finest is Shoulsbarrow Castle (SS 706 391)
There is little evidence of occupation
during the Roman period (43 - 410 AD), two fortlets at Old
Barrow (SS 788 494) and the Beacon (SS 664 493) being the
only remains now visible
From the Dark Ages, between 450 and
750 AD, there are several inscribed stones. The best known
of these is the Caratacus Stone (SS 890 335) on Winsford Hill,
which reads "Carataci nepus"
From the Norman and Medieval periods
there are several examples of defensive earthworks, the most
notable being Holwell Castle (SS 670 446) near Parracombe.
Here there is an example of motte and bailey earthwork now
covered with grass; also worth viewing are Bury Castle (SS
938 270) near Dulverton and Bampton Castle (SS 959 225)
One of the best known monuments on
Exmoor is the Tarr Steps. Several theories claim these to
be from the Bronze Age, although others date them from around
1400 AD.
National Park - Visitor
Centres
These specialise in offering information about the National
Park and the work of the National Park Authority. Informative
displays, maps, publications and specialist knowledge are
all available to assist you to understand and enjoy the area,
and enhance your visit.
Combe Martin Visitor Centre
Cross Street,
Combe Martin,
Devon EX34 0DH
Telephone/Fax: 01271 883319
This centre is also a networked Tourist Information Centre
and offers the additional services of ticket and accommodation
booking. It has displays about the coast and the village,
and is situated adjacent to the South West Coast Path.
Lynmouth Visitor Centre
The Esplanade,
Lynmouth,
Devon EX35 6EQ
Telephone:01598 752509
Located next to the old lime kiln and the famous cliff railway
on the sea front at Lynmouth this centre houses a replica
of the lifeboat Louisa, used in the 'overland launch of 1899,
and is sited close to a photographic exhibition of the Lynmouth
disaster of 1952. Ideal for those walking the South West Coast
Path or the Two Moors way - walkers of the latter can 'sign
in' upon completion of the walk.
County Gate Visitor Centre
County Gate,
Countisbury,
Lynton,
Devon EX35 6NY
Telephone:01598 741321
Along with the visitor centre, the County Gate site has a
large free car park (wonderful views) with dedicated spaces
for orange badge holders overlooking Doone Country. It is
an ideal location to start many walks, and is located on the
South West Coast Path. A walker's shelter and toilet facilities
are also available.
Dunster Visitor Centre
Dunster Steep,
Dunster,
Minehead,
Somerset TA24 6SG
Telephone: 01643 821835
The centre has a display about the woollen trade in Dunster
during the medieval times. The castle and the yarn market
are close by. The centre also has facilities for group visits.
Dulverton Visitor Centre
Fore Street,
Dulverton,
Somerset TA22 9EX
Telephone: 01398 323841
Located in the main square of Dulverton, the centre is part
of a large partnership complex housing exhibitions about the
heritage of Dulverton, the importance of the surrounding woodlands
and an art gallery and library.
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