Hound Tor Deserted Medieval Village

Hound Tor is a deserted medieval village with the ruins of farmhouses on the eastern edge of Dartmoor. The remains show three distinct farms with stone buildings, each containing both residential and livestock areas.

Farmers settled here in the 13th century and abandoned the site in the early 14th century. Archaeologists uncovered these layers in the 1960s through systematic excavations.

The layout of the houses shows how medieval farmers lived and worked here. You can still see how living spaces and animal shelters stood side by side, and how people organized their daily routines.

The path to the village runs about half a mile from a car park, with a steep climb over Hound Tor. The ground is uneven and often windy, so wear sturdy shoes and dress for changeable weather.

Scientists studied ancient peat layers around the ruins and found evidence of changes in vegetation. This information reveals that cereal farming in this region declined during the 14th century.

Location: Manaton

Part of: Prehistoric and medieval settlements and their field systems at Hound Tor

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hound-tor-deserted-medieval-village

GPS coordinates: 50.59500,-3.77278

Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:08