TORS OF DARTMOOR

a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops

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Whittenknowles Rocks

Whittenknowle Rocks

Amongst this chaos of granite, archaeologists have surmised that there are at least 38 huts and paddocks, within the walls of the settlement, and evidence of a longhouse.

The rocks themselves are likely from a ruined tor that has disintegrated into smithereens to leave the clitter that we see today in no oderly fashion. Bizarrely, Hemery even calls it a "lowly tor" which it is not as no bedrock is visible.

Tim Sandles states: "On Dartmoor another such thing was the 'windstrew', this being an exposed granite platform on which, when the strength of the wind was right, the corn would be threshed. Initially the grain would be separated from the corn by beating it with 'dreshels' (flails) this would then be tossed in the air thus letting the wind blow away the chaff. Such a feature is said to be found at the site of the old medieval settlement at Whittenknowle Rocks (OS grid SX 585 670)."

Whittenknowles Rocks

The map above is not a navigation tool and we recommend that the grid reference shown below is used in conjunction with an Ordnance Survey map and that training in its use with a compass is advised.

Grid Ref:

SX 5855 6714

Height:

341m

Parish:

Sheepstor

Tor Classification:

Ruined

Access:

Public

Rock Type:

Granite

Credit:

William Crossing
Ordnance Survey

Reference / Further Reading:

Ordnance Survey Maps
Eric Hemery: High Dartmoor
Tim Sandles: (awaiting reference)

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