Grimspound is one of the best known prehistoric settlements on Dartmoor, probably dating from the Late Bronze Age (about 450–700 BC).
The remains of 24 houses enclosed within a stone wall, and further houses outside the enclosure, lie in a fold in the hills about 450 metres (1,500 feet) above sea level, between Hookney and Hameldown tors.
History
The earlier Neolithic period, from about 4500 BC, witnessed a transition from a hunting and gathering lifestyle towards a growing reliance on farming. By 2500 BC the early farmers were moving into upland areas like Dartmoor, and settled farms and field systems were becoming commonplace.
The remains of the characteristic round houses (also known as hut circles) in which people lived can still be seen – sometimes standing on their own, like isolated cottages today; sometimes, as here, grouped together in sizeable villages. Such settlements are a defining feature of the Dartmoor landscape.
We do not know precisely how long Grimspound was in use, but by about 1200 bc the settlement pattern was changing. The thin moorland soils appear to have deteriorated very quickly and it also seems that there was a change in the climate. Heavy rainfall reduced the fertility of the Dartmoor soil, so that it could not sustain the same level of occupation.
Excavations
Grimspound was excavated at the end of the 19th century by the newly formed Dartmoor Exploration Committee.
They excavated 16 of the houses and found numerous structures and artefacts, including porches, paved floors, hearths, raised benches, cooking holes, charcoal, pottery and flint. However, no organic matter which might date the site was recovered. The excavators restored parts of the perimeter wall and some of the hut circles, although not very accurately.
Description
The great boundary wall is about 150 metres (500 feet) in diameter. Averaging 3 metres (10 feet) thick and standing up to 1.5 metres (5 feet) high, it is faced with large slabs laid in horizontal courses, with a core of smaller stones between the two faces. However, it seems unlikely that it was intended to be defensive – it was probably simply a barrier to keep wild animals out and farmed animals in.
The site overlooks a valley to the north where there was open grazing land, but the original entrance was on the opposite, uphill side. This imposing entrance is flanked by high walls, with a passage 1.8 metres (6 feet) wide which is roughly paved. A stream running through the northern half of the enclosure would have provided an excellent supply of fresh water, and explains the settlement’s position.
The walls of the houses within the enclosure were probably not much higher than they are now, and covered with conical roofs of turf or thatch. A number of low rubble banks against the internal face of the enclosure wall probably formed sheep or cattle pens. Immediately south-east of the enclosure the remains of at least nine more houses survive, all linked to rubble banks forming part of a field system.
You can climb up Hookney Tor for a good view of the site, and the high ground on Hameldown is another good vantage point.
Sources
Butler, J 1991. 'Dartmoor Atlas of Antiquities', 4 vols, Devon Books
Anon 1996. 'A Guide to the Archaeology of Dartmoor', Devon Books
Greeves, T 1985. 'The Archaeology of Dartmoor from the Air', Devon Books
Griffith, F 1988. Devon's Past: An Aerial View, Devon Books
Sale, R 2000. Dartmoor: The Official National Park Guide, Pevensey Press/David and Charles
Disclaimer
The text and pictures on this page are derived from the 'Heritage Unlocked' series of guidebooks published in 2004. We intend to review, update and enhance the content in the near future as part of the Portico project, whose objective is to provide information on the history, significance, research background and sources for all English Heritage properties.
