| Grimspound Bronze Age Settlement |
Grimspound is a late Bronze Age settlement enclosed by a huge stone wall. The inhabitants were probably cattle farmers and the hut circles are the remains of their homes and pens for the cattle. It is not clear if the outer wall was for defence purposes or to keep the cattle enclosed.
The name Grimspound is most probably derived from the Anglo Saxon god of war Grim, also a derivation of Odin. It is likely that the Saxons thought the enclosure had been created by their god to enclose his cattle, this folklore remained later as the place name. Grim is also later associated with the Devil and goblins. |
| Map ref: SX 701 809 |
| Directions:Off a minor road from the B3212 leading to Widecombe in the Moor. |
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| Spinsters Rock, Burial Chamber |
Spinsters Rock is a burial cairn dating to the early Bronze Age. The structure was re-erected in the 1862 after collapsing earlier in the year.
According to folklore the rocks where erected by a group of three spinsters who where on a journey to deliver some wool. Obviously these three women where seen as giants having the strength to carry such a heavy burden.
Many of these cromlechs are thought to have been the work of giants or legendary heroes. |
| Map ref: SX 701 907 |
| Directions: The stones are in a field off a minor road from the A382 |
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