User:Dartmoor Bounders

BEATING THE BOUNDS OF ANCIENT DARTMOOR/PERAMBULATION

By Ian Kirkpatrick

In the year 1240 King Henry III summoned twelve knights to mount their steeds & ride around Dartmoors forest bounds as then stated. The trip was necessary to check the possible encroachment of commoners upon the royal hunting ground. This historical journey was started on the 24th. July 1240 the time taken is not known but eventually the bounds were set & remain virtually unchanged to this day. The knights started from Cosdon Hill near Okehampton before travelling south east towards Gidleigh & Chagford to what is now known as Fernworthy reservoir. From here their travels continued south to the head of the Wallabrook & followed the stream until it meets Dartmeet where the east & west Darts merge. The Perambulation continued southwards to Avon Head & on to the head of the river Erme known locally as Erme Pits. Following the Abbotts Way they reached Princetown the highest town in England. From here the route continues northward over North Hessary Tor & on to Gt.Mis Tor, Lynch Tor, the head of the Rattlebrook. On to Stenga Tor travelling east they had to cross the very deep West Okement valley. A steep climb to Yes Tor the highest tor on Dartmoor. Belstone Tor next & on to where the knights started Cosdon Hill. It is a mistake to think Dartmoor was once covered with trees, even though areas of the moor such as Blackator Copse, Piles Copse & the more commonly known Wistmans Wood near Two Bridges are often spoken of as the last relics of an ancient forest. In reality the ‘Forest’ in the days of Henry III meant the area of land was set apart as a hunting ground for the king. A walk has been set up to retrace the steps of the knights.