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<< Our Photo Pages >> Yar Tor Summit - Cairn in England in Devon

Submitted by enkidu41 on Saturday, 12 March 2005  Page Views: 13403

Neolithic and Bronze AgeSite Name: Yar Tor Summit Alternative Name: Grinsell Widecombe in the Moor 20
Country: England County: Devon Type: Cairn
Nearest Town: Princetown  Nearest Village: Dartmeet
Map Ref: SX67867394
Latitude: 50.550246N  Longitude: 3.866545W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
no data Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
no data Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
no data Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
5
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TheCaptain visited on 11th Apr 2019 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 3 Such a lovely day, I decided to go up to the top of Yar Tor to take in the views, despite my legs aching a bit by now. The top of the southern part of the tor has a clear ancient cairn built on top, but this has been made into a spiral shape, I believe during wartime when it was used as a lookout shelter. While stood at the top of Yar Tor, a couple of Wokka-Wokkas flew up the Dart valley below me before heading up the valley towards Princetown and over the moor. Strange to see them from above!

AngieLake have visited here

Yar Tor Summit
Yar Tor Summit submitted by AngieLake : Yar Tor Summit Cairn sits at 416m, overlooking a beautiful area of mid-Dartmoor. This view is of the approach from the south. (Vote or comment on this photo)
Cairn on Dartmoor, Devon. A cairn, c.18m in diameter, built over the highest rocks of the Tor. Its stones have been arranged to form an elaborate shelter. The cairn's pre-historicity may be doubtful. It may be a modern construction built for shelter purposes.

Update August 2019. For more information see:
Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks (PDW): the Yar Tor Summit Cairn;
Pastscape Monument No. 442898; and
Devon & Dartmoor HER MDV6463 (Cairn on Summit of Yar Tor).

Pastscape tells us that the "(the mound has been much altered by recent interference. The cairn has a footprint of The cairn has a footprint of over 23m. The central area has been hollowed and re-modelled".
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Yar Tor Summit
Yar Tor Summit submitted by AngieLake : This was the fetching sculpture in the centre of Yar Tor Summit Cairn on the evening of 4th July 2005. Sharp Tor is the peak in the background. Whose work does this remind you of? (And - no, I didn't ..... was it you??!) (1 comment - Vote or comment on this photo)

Yar Tor Summit
Yar Tor Summit submitted by AngieLake : A smashing photo of Jack ME in Yar Tor summit cairn (see more about this unusual shape in site page comments). From old film photo approx 2004. (5 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

Yar Tor Summit
Yar Tor Summit submitted by AngieLake : Jack ME in the controversial Yar Tor summit cairn, possibly 2004 (from old film photo). (Vote or comment on this photo)

Yar Tor Summit
Yar Tor Summit submitted by AngieLake : This cobbled-together view of Yar Tor Summit Cairn from the west might give people a better idea of its layout. Taken about 8pm on the evening of 4th July 2005, it shows the huge mound of compacted stones and earth topped with grass which lies under the re-modelled cairn. This must be the original ancient cairn's base. You will see that some artistic person has made a fetching sculpture from so... (Vote or comment on this photo)

Yar Tor Summit
Yar Tor Summit submitted by AngieLake : Yar Tor Summit Cairn. This shot shows a kerb-like stone between the 'passage' and the central area of the cairn (Vote or comment on this photo)

Yar Tor Summit
Yar Tor Summit submitted by AngieLake : Yar Tor Summit Cairn, showing the beginning of the 'passage'

Yar Tor Summit
Yar Tor Summit submitted by AngieLake : An attempt (by joining two photos) to show the shape of the cairn. Here I'm standing outside the NNW wall, looking towards Sharp Tor (southeast). The curving passage entrance is on the right, and the walls of the central area are in the centre. The passage enters the circular open central part of the cairn to the left of photo. (30 comments)

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Nearby sites listing. In the following links * = Image available
 92m NNW 346° Yar Tor Enclosure* Causewayed Enclosure (SX67847403)
 230m ENE 62° Yar Tor NW* Multiple Stone Rows / Avenue (SX6806674043)
 297m ESE 108° Money Pit Cairns* Cairn (SX68147384)
 325m E 99° Yar Tor SE* Multiple Stone Rows / Avenue (SX68187388)
 329m ESE 102° Money Pit cairn* Stone Circle (SX6818173865)
 572m SSW 203° Yar Tor Prehistoric Homestead* Ancient Village or Settlement (SX67627342)
 735m ENE 68° Corndon Down Cairns* Barrow Cemetery (SX68557420)
 774m ESE 123° Ouldsbroom Cross* Ancient Cross (SX6850173504)
 996m ESE 121° Sherril Down Multiple Stone Rows / Avenue (SX687734)
 1.1km NE 41° Corndon Down N Cairns* Barrow Cemetery (SX68587473)
 1.3km N 351° Sherwell Long Barrow* Long Barrow (SX677752)
 1.4km ESE 119° Sherberton Common Multiple Stone Rows / Avenue (SX691732)
 2.0km W 265° Huccaby Rings Inner* Ancient Village or Settlement (SX6585473819)
 2.3km S 180° Aller Brook* Cist (SX67807168)
 2.3km SSW 198° Combestone Tor* Rock Outcrop (SX671718)
 2.3km S 173° Holne Moor North Ring Cairn (SX68097162)
 2.4km W 280° Huccaby Rings Outer* Ancient Village or Settlement (SX6554474428)
 2.8km WNW 298° Laughter Tor row 1* Multiple Stone Rows / Avenue (SX65377532)
 2.9km SSW 197° Holne Ridge 5* Cairn (SX66967120)
 2.9km S 187° Holne Moor* Multiple Stone Rows / Avenue (SX6743171042)
 3.0km SSW 197° Holne Ridge 6* Cairn (SX66927111)
 3.0km SW 228° Down Ridge Outlier* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SX65577200)
 3.0km WNW 297° Laughter Tor Longstone* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SX65227538)
 3.0km SW 230° Down Ridge* Stone Circle (SX6550872068)
 3.0km WNW 297° Laughter Tor row 2* Multiple Stone Rows / Avenue (SX65207538)
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"Yar Tor Summit" | Login/Create an Account | 10 News and Comments
  
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Re: Yar Tor Summit by AngieLake on Tuesday, 05 July 2005
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Went to Yar Tor last evening, and a large WEA group came along whilst I was at 'Money Pit' cairn. The leader, Mike Perriam, was explaining the antiquities in the area, and, during this talk, pointed out the summit cairn to his group. I heard him say that it was re-fashioned to provide a look-out shelter. After he'd finished, I asked if I may say something. I told him that people on the website had insisted this was a 'Walkers' Cairn', and he shook his head. "Definitely not," he said.
It was quite apparent that there was a man-made mound of grass-covered, cairn-type stones under the visible cairn, that comprised the original ancient one. [These are seen in views from side and back]. Upon which, a member of the group tapped the side of his nose and winked:
"He's the expert - there isn't anything he doesn't know!" (or words to that effect), adding, cheekily,
"Perhaps they were Prehistoric walkers?"
What WAS funny, was that when I'd been up there prior to the group's arrival, I found a very attractive graduated tower of stones had been 'erected' in the Summit Cairn. (Style very like that of excellent artist who makes natural stone artwork found in smart coffee-table books! Pics to follow!) If it was one of us having a laugh, - Nice One!
I recommended this website to some of the group who paused to chat, so if you are reading this: Welcome!
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Re: Yar Tor Summit by bec-zog on Tuesday, 29 March 2005
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It's not uncommon for military "needs." to change the archaeological landscape. Near to my home one of the bronze age barrows on Galley Hill was dug out to become an air raid spotting/gun implacement during WW2 ( before my time I might add).
Dorset & Wiltshire has seen a bit of damage too!

If anybody is interested I have a list of the Devon Arch. soc. publications, many of which relate to prehistoric sites. It's too big to post on here. bec
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Re: Yar Tor Summit by AngieLake on Monday, 28 March 2005
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Some interesting news about the shape of Yar Tor Summit cairn!
R. Hansford Worth read the 56th report on Devonshire Barrows in 1937, 2 years before WWII broke out. He mentions the cairn (see article on Barrow Committee above), but not that it was an unusual shape. I questioned whether this had changed in the past 60-70 years.
Tonight I was telling my friend T, who leads the local dowsing group, about the controversy over the age of this cairn, and the moment I described it, he immediately remembered how a farmer's wife in the locality had explained the unusual shape to him. (I've been unable to reach him till now, as he and his wife have been in Cyprus for 2 months).
The farmer's wife, retired approx 10 years now, is now in her mid-70s, and had lived on the Moors all her life, married to a farmer (Mr S) whose family had continuously inhabited this farm at Ponsworthy, about 2 miles from Yar Tor, for 200-300 years.
Mrs S told T that during WWII, the Home Guard changed the shape of the cairn so they could use it as a look-out for German paratroopers. They could hide in there, maybe with a Lewis gun in the open centre.
That must be why no specific mention was made of it in the 1943 Barrow Committee report, as the war was still on.
Stakes were put up all over Hameldown, to the NE, to stop German gliders landing, too. I wondered why they were there when I walked on that fairly level high down some years ago!
All the south coast of Devon was bombed in the war, especially Plymouth, and Torquay, Newton Abbot and Teignmouth were also hit.
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    Re: Yar Tor Summit by Thorgrim on Tuesday, 29 March 2005
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    That makes a lot of sense. The soldiers have re-arranged the stones to give wind shelter and cover for defence. Yar Tor Summit Cairn has now been accepted on the Portal as a legitimate ancient site so let's move on. Humble apologies for doubting you!
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Re: Yar Tor Summit by AngieLake on Monday, 28 March 2005
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Thanks bec-zog. I guess I shall have to email for this report, as it will be cheaper than taking a bus up there again (and cheaper than parking in Exeter!) "I started so I'll finish", as Magnus says! Let's hope it will lay this subject to rest once and for all.
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Re: Yar Tor Summit by bec-zog on Monday, 28 March 2005
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For more data contact
Devon Archaeological Society, c/o Royal Albert Memorial Museum,
Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3RX, Devon
E-mail:dasmail@dasonline.wanadoo.co.uk

Proceedings 36: 1978
Grinsell, L. Dartmoor Barrows

Reprints from Proceedings of the Devon Archaeological Society
1935 to 1950 £1.00
1951 to 1989 £1.50
1990 to current £2.50
Post and packing will be charged in addition to the cost of the item.
Cheques should be made payable to ‘Devon Archaeological Society’
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Re: Yar Tor Summit by TheCaptain on Monday, 28 March 2005
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have to say I dont know many (if any) of these "walkers Cairns" made by the bizarre habit of walkers carrying rocks up the hill with them on Dartmoor (what a strange thing to do ! - whats all that about ?), although many of the ancient cairns on the moor HAVE been plundered and well messed about with and made into shelters etc. in more modern times. So its that Bovey Tracey again is it ? She gets into all sorts of trouble. Especially if she's been for a night out on the Wobbly-Pop with her mate Mary Tavy.
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Re: Yar Tor Summit by AngieLake on Monday, 28 March 2005
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Well, Hansford Worth said, "It will be remembered that a cairn* is a barrow constructed of loose stone", so if it IS a cairn, (and those two people I quoted called it a cairn), I would have thought that it also qualifies as a barrow, which makes it pretty old!
(*referring to Dartmoor, presumably).
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Re: Yar Tor Summit by enkidu41 on Monday, 28 March 2005
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I'm sorry Angie, but this extract doesn't prove the antiquity of the Summit Cairn - merely that it is a cairn! It would be interesting to see Leslie Grinsell's list of cairns published in the Devon Archaeological Society Proceedings 1978, No. 36, in which he gives the cairn the reference Widecombe 20. Presumably he also gives details. Can anyone help in this?
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Re: Yar Tor Summit by AngieLake on Sunday, 27 March 2005
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Validation of the antiquity of the cairn on Yar Tor!

Yesterday I visited Devon Local Studies library in Exeter and was able to browse the 56th and 62nd reports of the Devon Association Barrow Committee. These were quite old books, the reports being (56th) 1937, and (62nd) 1943.
R. Hansford Worth, Recorder, read the 56th report at Tavistock, and much of his dialogue related to Money Pit Cairn, and how damaged it, and its adjoining rows, had become due to the theft of its stones by roadmenders between 1895-1897. That is why there is a long gap between the triple rows and the kistvaen (as they called it), and why more stones are missing from the sides, closest to the road, of the two circles that surround it.

He also mentions Cairns generally in his summing up, specifically mentioning Yar Tor Summit cairn.
"Very little has been published in the reports by way of description of cairns. It will be remembered that A CAIRN IS A BARROW CONSTRUCTED OF LOOSE STONE. Such stone heaps are peculiarly liable to robbery and disturbance, they are ready made collections more or less suitable to many purposes."
His next comment is valuable in regard to Yar Tor's shape:
"... Western Whittaburrow was partly remodelled to form a house for the workmen at Redlake peat works; visitors from Torquay and other towns have been known to spend many hours, week-end after week-end, remodelling the cairns to suit their tastes; the cairn known as 'Heap of Sinners' on Huntingdon Warren has been built up to a grotesque cone..... there is probably no one example of which it would be safe to state the original form and dimesions. Even the Ordnance Survey, and more recently the Army practising surveying on Dartmoor, have contributed to the deformation of these relics."

"A curious feature of some of the summit cairns is that they are constructed around and over natural exposures of rock, and thus have the summit rocks of the tor, or a part of the same, as a core. This certainly adds to the apparent size of the stone heap and gives it greater prominence; but it has not as yet been discovered how, under such circumstances, the interment is placed. THE REMAINS OF SUCH A CAIRN ARE TO BE FOUND ON THE SUMMIT OF YAR TOR, and a little way from the summit of Corndon Tor, a considerable cairn may be seen to have been founded on a rock outcrop. Other localities might be named, as, for instance, Lynch Tor in the Tavy Valley...."
He doesn't mention the fact that the shape was changed, leading me to wonder if this has been done in the last (almost) 70 years.
It definitely must be the same summit cairn, as the one I've shown is on the highest part of the rocky summit.

Eric Hemery, in his huge book 'High Dartmoor, Land & People' (1983), (with foreword by Prince Charles - who owns the Moors, as part of his Duchy of Cornwall lands) - tells how Yar Tor got its name as a derivative of 'Hart' (as in stag) Tor: the earliest record of three different names, 'Hurtestorre' from 1377. Hemery says: "THE TOR CONSISTS OF THREE PILES, THE HIGHEST, LIKE CORNDON TOR (WEST WEBBURN), TOPPED BY A CAIRN." (There are a few tors on Dartmoor sharing the same name, to add to the confusion!)
The 62nd Barrow Report concentrated on the ruination of cairns and the kistvaen at Money Pit, specifically mentioning how, at the "Cairns on Corndon Tor:" (Yar Tor's neighbour)
"More than sixty years ago, a party of about fifty holiday folk from Bovey Tracey, who were joined by many rustics of the neighbourhood, set to work to rifle these giant stone heaps. They found only 'an old jar or two', which, if these vandals had but known it, was of far more value than the coveted gold. Even in more recent times, people who really should have known better have resorted to these cairns as quarries of building stone." That recorder goes on to talk about Money Pit in detail, summing up: "It will be noted that the roadmenders of 1895-1897 were not the first to attack this grave. Dymond's es

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