Exmoor History

Exmoor lies in an ancient landscape known for its mysterious folklore and people. Split between Devon and Somerset it has rugged moor, heathland, beaches and jagged cliffs as well as ancient woodland. Once upon a time Exmoor was covered in ancient woodland that was used as royal deer hunting grounds, the land was managed by wardens whom monitored the commoners grazing rights and poaching of royal hunting stock.

The native Oak trees were cut down to help build the galleons and for the construction of local housing when the land was sold in 1818. Evidence shows that areas such as Parracombe have been occupied by human settlers since Mesolithic times. In later years groups cleared sections in the forest to develop agricultural settlements using animals to graze and cultivating staple crops. Exmoor has long been known for its trade in high quality wool and knit wear from the domestic sheep, this shows the versatility of small scale farming that produced many products from a small area. These cottage industries have kept the residents of Exmoor at work for many years including the production of heather honey, ales and ciders.

The moor land has continuously changed its face over time depending on the settlers that occupied the moor and the economic times. For example during the second world war landowners were forced to convert land into use for agriculture which led to reduced size of woodland in the case of moorland a 40% decrease in size. The national park is named after the river Exe that flows through the two counties, this beautiful river plays host to salmon, trout and many freshwater invertebrates and mammals such as otters.

The moors are famous for its wildlife including the red deer, numerous rare butterfly species and some of the countries finest birds of prey. There are many mysteries surrounding Exmoor such as the story of Lorna Doone and the numerous accounts of the Exmoor beast, the latter story yielded truth in the form of the skull of a Puma that was found by a moorland farmer. These big cats are supposed to have escaped from a travelling circus many years and now roam Exmoor and Dartmoor appearing on farmland from time to time.

There are also some strange stone circles such as Withypool that have not been studied for astronomical significance or any other purpose. Then there is the legend of Tarr steps an ancient clapper bridge said to be frequented by the devil himself whom sunbathes in the summer months on the bridge waiting for unbeknown visitors.

At the very heart of Exmoor, nestling by the bridge over the river Exe, you’ll find The Exmoor White Horse Inn. Festooned in Virginia Creeper, this traditional 16th Century building with classic period features has been family owned and run for generations

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