Heritage of Dartmoor recorded by English Heritage

A new book has been published charting the evolution of Dartmoor’s rich archaeology and stunning landscape.

‘The Field Archaeology of Dartmoor’ by Phil Newman, describes Dartmoor’s landscape history from 4,000 BC to the present, analysing and summarising archaeological and historical studies from the 19th century onwards.

Dartmoor is southern England’s largest tract of upland and its diverse natural qualities assured its designation as one of England’s first National Parks in 1951.

Phil Newman, who has also written about the tin mining industry at Dartmoor, said: “There is no part of Dartmoor where human intervention has not played a part in shaping the character of the landscape.  Nature, in turn has itself adapted to the changes brought about by humans.

“The landscape of Dartmoor today represents a synergy between people and the environment.”

The book explores the elements that comprise the historic landscape of Dartmoor and, through the results of archaeological investigation, explains some of the human activities that have contributed to the shaping and character of the modern landscape.

Its geology, prehistoric settlement, Romano-British organisation, medieval character and early tin industry are described in turn, followed by accounts of Dartmoor’s 19th and 20th- century industrial landscape and heritage (tin, copper, silver-lead and china clay) and how they co-existed with traditional forms of upland farming.

Subsidiary industries including peat, gunpowder mills, ice works and the moor’s use for military training bring the narrative up to the present.

This is the result of extensive fieldwork by the English Heritage Archaeological Survey and Investigation team in which they produced a substantial body of high specification survey data.

‘The Field Archaeology of Dartmoor‘ is published by English Heritage in partnership with the Dartmoor National Park Authority, The Ministry of Defence and National Trust.

You can purchase securely online following this link – ‘The Field Archaeology of Dartmoor‘