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May 21st 2010

Dear Dartmoorlander,

as I read your section on witchcraft in Dartmoor I stumbled on something that might interest you: The famous modern witch Stewart Farrar seems to have located one of his novels - called 'The Twelve Maidens' - in your area. Stewart Farrar was one of the leading high priests responsible for the rise of the modern witch-religion Wicca. His novel was published in the early 1970s, it deals with a fight between good and evil witches. The evil ones occupying the 'Twelve Maidens', a circle of stones located close to a town called "Bewlay" in "the high Devon moors". I could not find a place by the name of "Bewlay" online, this may be fiction. However, The Twelve Maidens bear a strong resemblance, of course, to the Nine Maidens. The novel is one of the most famous of the Wicca-Religion, I suppose it is well known amongst modern witches, so it might be a reason for occurring rituals... . Animal sacrifice and the usage of human hair for magic, as your section on witchcraft mentions, does play a role in the novel.

Perhaps you already knew this, but I could not keep that to myself. If you need any more information about this, please let me know.

Kind Regards,

Martin Geilfus

May 21st 2010

Hello,

I'm looking for 'things' of interest about Dartmoor and your superb site stops me from looking further. Now, these 'things' I'd like to include in two pages of my book; Saddle the Wind.

Saddle is my 35,551 word m/s set on the moors. At this stage I'll publish myself, after penguin 'knocked it back' only because they wanted a minimum of 60,000 words. And as I'd started on the 2nd Saddle adventure; additions spoilt, in my opinion, a follow-up story.

I ask if I may use-with 'acknowledgements into source' some of your text and maybe illustrations? That said, I haven't yet looked in great detail at the site's complete content, and before doing so need to know if I can use some of it..

Below the foreword of Saddle the Wind. I've also written a 90-page screenplay of Saddle.

Thank You, Ron Shears

May 5th 2010

Hi, Was just reading your webpage on the giant chair in Natsworthy, we visited it this Monday 4th May and its still there in all its glory! It really adds to the area so hopefully it will be there for a lot longer!

Kind regards, Jamie

May 5th 2010

Hi Tim - This is Anne from the Museum of Dartmoor Life. Just a short enquiry. Some one recently told me the Bellever Idol story; as this hadn't come to my attention before I checked out your web site & found the April Fool pop up. Has he been fooled? Anne

April 17th 2010.

Hi, To save me taking a drive up there and adding to the excuse of increased traffic along the narrow roads of Dartmoor... Could you please tell me the status of... The Giants Chair of Natsworthy. Has the situation has been resolved? is it still ongoing? or has it already been removed. (Which would be a travesty) Many thanks & what a great site.

As both of the emails below arrived on the same day I presume the Dartmoor Witches page was discovered by Holly Owen who then instigated the second communication. I am sick and tired of people telling me what I can or cannot put on my own website and in this instance I will be altering NOTHING! Firstly the reference to a link between the sheep killings and 'pagans' came initially from the police and if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me. Secondly, both emails suggest that 'pagans' would never be involved in ritual slaughter of this kind, I am sure there are many Muslims who say that their like never get involved in human slaughter - try telling that to the troops in Afghanistan. Thirdly it is noted below that these sheep killings could possibly be attributed to 'Satanists' and that 'Pagans do not believe in the Christian God'', so I am sure that 'Satanists' do not believe in a Christian god therefore they must be Pagans! The Oxford English Dictionary defines a 'pagan' as being: 'a person holding religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions.' Therefore I would suggest that by using the word 'pagan' to describe those responsible for the sheep killings is perfectly legitimate, when have so many animals been killed in such a manner by any believer belonging to any of the 'main world religions?

April 13th 2010.

The loss of these animals would have been tragic, and unfortunate that it would only be in the financial sense that the absence of their lives would be felt. The value of the life so reduced in these times. It's always interesting to hear information on the history of Dartmoor, it being such a beautiful part of the world, but I feel that your research has let you down in this article

Where pagans perform ritual slaughter of animals the larger the ritual the greater the importance of the animal. For example: Daisy the cow would get a nice little send-off, while another cow ordinarily used for breeding would get a much grander send-off to (hopefully) counteract the circumstances which brought about the necessity for the slaughter of the animal in the first place. The reason for this is because pagans (despite existing in all the varieties that they do) view life, and everything that contributes to it, as being of very great importance. Everything ritual and festival that occurs in the year has its roots in the holy significance of life and death, whether it be of animal, mineral or vegetable.

In other words, though these killings have very evidently taken place next to cultural landmarks, the connection that is drawn in your article between pagans and what appears to be willful motiveless killing of animals is wrong. This has never been part of Pagan practice and never will be unless the unlikely eventuality comes about where our two species go to war, and even then it would be doubtful.

Can you please correct your article with this in mind? I'm sure others feel, like me, that this is a slanderous accusation upon our religion.

Yours,

LS Hamilton

April 13th 2010.

Hello there,

I have been browsing your Dartmoor website, and have found the majority of it to be informative and an excellent read. However, I would like to raise the issue of the page entitled Dartmoor Witches, upon which you refer to troubling incidences of sheep killings.

While I agree that they seem to have been laid out in a possibly 'ritualistic' manner, what troubles me is your explicit linkage of these atrocities with Paganism. Modern-day Pagans would simply never hurt a living creature in such a manner. The very foundation of 21st century Neo-Paganism is based upon reverence for Mother Earth and all of her living creatures. In fact, the majority of Pagans these days are vegetarians.

The horrible incidents involving the sheep will have been the work of disturbed individuals who have probably watched far too many violent films. They may well have believed they were carrying out a 'Satanic' ritual - however, I need to point out that Satan is an entirely Christian construct. Pagans do not believe in the Christian God and certainly do not believe in Satan. It is a common misconception that Pagans are linked with 'Satanism', 'Black Magic' and animal sacrifice. I much prefer it when people call us 'tree-huggers' as while this tends to be said in a mocking manner, at least it captures the inherent gentleness of modern Paganism.

I hope you will amend your page as 21st century Wicca and Paganism absolutely NEVER involve animal sacrifice and believe me, we Pagans already have enough trouble dealing with prejudice without people linking us with such abominable acts.

Thank you,

Holly Owen.

April 11th 2010.

hey im very interested in the history and suposed ghost of dartmoor but i was just wandering where do u get all this information plus would u meet me and show me these places as i wanna find out if something is actually out there.

Yeah right, Ghostbusters are the next door down,

March 31st 2010.

Hi Tim,

I'm 'trying' to research 'PUT ON / TAKE OFF STONES' in Cornwall, but the only reference I can find to such items are the ones you have detailed on Dartmoor. I am attempting to complete this years Round Britain Rally, which is an event running from April Till October, whereby motorcyclists locate 89 Landmarks around the UK. One such landmark 'clue' on my list is ' PUT ON STONE AND TAKE OFF STONE (15 POINTS EACH) AT COOMBEGATE & CADSON, ST.IVE" That's all the info I have and with your website being so informative, I hope you don't mind me asking for help, as I thought you may have access to some research data I can't find :) I think I've possibly traced them in the area of Newbridge (PL17 7HW) and Pipers Pool (PL15 8QG) but they appear so far apart and I'm wondering if they should be in pairs closer than this? When using Google maps with coombegate in particular, the 'streetview' gives a clear view of a stone at the roadsides edge although I cannot see any detail. And I can see a stone against the walled gate at the entrance to Cadson Manor, but again it's unclear. I've emailed the manor and am hoping for some help from that location - are you able to assist me on this one please?

Kind regards, Gary McDonough.

March 27th 2010.

Hi

I have visited your website Legendarydartmoor.co.uk and would like to request an additional link to our website.

At UK Campsite Search we are working very hard at promoting campsites and caravan sites in the UK's National Parks, having visited many of these areas myself I know what they have to offer and how important to the local economies tourism is.

You can view our Dartmoor pages here - http://www.ukcampsitesearch.co.uk/dartmoor/

Please take a look at our website and let us know what you think. It's always useful to have feedback from fellow website owners.

Good luck with your site and any future ventures.

Kind Regards, John Conway .

March 24th 2010.

Dear Tim,

Being a mine of information on all things Dartmoor, I wonder if you can help solve a mystery. Walking up the Erme from Harford Bridge recently, I came across this old building which includes a brick built aqueduct which probably carried water to a wheel. I've checked my many Dartmoor books but can't find anything about it. Dartmoor National Park Authority said an old map showed a pumping station in the vicinity and wondered if it was anything to do with Bullaven house as an aerial shot of the area in 1947 showed a swimming pool, but this substantial building is much more than a pumping station. It has to be some sort of mill. Have you any ideas or can you point me in the direction of someone who might know?

May I also take this opportunity to say how much I enjoy the Legendary website and your book on A Pilgrimage to Dartmoor Crosses. I bought the book having discovered it in Exmouth library. These are genuine comments.

Paul Huddart

March 23rd 2010.

Hi Dartmoorlander, nice read about the Ilsington Lych Gate. I was born next door in The Old Post Office.

Regards. Cyril Honeywill.

March 18th 2010.

Hello, Can you tell me anything about the wonderful bridge at the far end of the Meldon reservoir, please? Love the site, very informative and helpful.

Mary.

March 17th 2010.

Dear Tim,

I have just seen your website for the first time after Googling “St Michael de Rupe”. Absolutely fascinating stuff – well researched and well written. I am particularly interested in evidence for Roman occupation outside the “obvious” areas (having done my uni dissertation on 1st century Britain) and have since childhood been a bit obsessed with tracing old road networks on maps. So Google Earth is heaven! (as well as, of course, the most massive timewaster when I should be getting on with work, my post grad studies, housework etc.)

Which brings me to Spreyton. I cannot believe that church font is Saxon: I will go so far as to say it is not Christian. Have you ever seen any history for Spreyton beyond the limited stuff available on Genuki etc.? Do you by any chance have access to any archaeological sources not available online?

Kind regards

Ann

March 13th 2010.

March 10th 2010.

Hi Tim,

Great website, I really enjoy reading the information. I spend hours on Dartmoor walking and would have missed a lot of things without your web site highlighting them.

Just some info I picked up last November which may be of interest re your comments why the original engraving date is 21st March and the new memorial says 22nd March, it may be relevant or maybe not at all. I was one of a party of walkers who walked to the memorial on Remembrance Sunday to pay our respects , it was one of the DNPA guided walks.

Our guide new some of the crashes history but passed us over to another gentlemen walking with us who had spent a lot of time researching the crash, if my memory serves me he was ex RAF and obviously retained his interest after his retirement.

1) My first recollection of this gentlemen's information is one of the crew actually survived the crash and was taken to a local hospital (Moretonhampstead I think) but died due to his injuries the next day (22nd).

2) My second recollection is the bomber was returning from a bombing mission in France and someone with us was pondering the time differences between UK and France, was 22.50 accurate, maybe it was 23.05UK 21-3-1941 which may have been 01.05 France (+1hr) 22-3-1941?

My recollection 1) seems more likely to me. I often see the DNPA guide and will have a chat with him when I see him and reconfirm my recollection of events. I may also be able to find the other gentlemen's name. The walk to the memorial has been an annual event for a few years so I will attempt to attend again this year if it is organized and listen more carefully.

Regards, Terry Horan.

March 3rd 2010.

Hello Tim.

I have spent a few months now looking for information on names of people and places on/from Dartmoor. As I am in the 3rd rewrite of my poem about Dartmoor. This poem is one of a handful required for my creative practice module towards my degree. I wanted to write and thank you for your fabulous research on ’The Moor’ which is and has always been special to me. Not at least because I was born in Tavistock, where the rest of my family, Aunts and uncles, Grandparents even Great Grandparents where born in Torquay.

I will include you and your website in footnotes and bibliography of course. I hope this is agreeable with you.

Kind Regards Debra McLean (AKA pen name Beatrice Whyddon).

February 22nd 2010.

Hello, Do you know where I could get picture's of Princetown during the snow in 1963? my father was a prison officer at dartmoor I was living there at the time and remember very well seeing the prisoners dig through the snow to make a pathway in the main street. Also opening cattle grids to let sheep and pony's in so we could feed them scraps. Which the pony's repaid us by nipping our rear ends!!

Kay Blatchford.

February 19th 2010.

Good morning,

I am doing a research about the evil eye tradition in the British Isles and found in your web page that "hag stones" work against it. My doubt is that if a hag stone, a serpent's stone, a snake stone and an adder stone are all the same. Could you help me solve this doubt?

Thank you very much for your help.

Milagros Torrado Cespon

February 18th 2010.

Dear Tim,

Enjoyed your book recently and hence the contact. I have been increasingly interested in history of our area (Village) and over recent year have come across an old granite cross, picture attached before cleaning it. I think the arms were removed but the raised small cross is still evident. As a committee project this stone will be used to mark the 400th anniversary of General George Monck born in Merton.

The cross if that is what it was, stood for many years in a field opposite General Moncks home Great Potheridge at Merton. This stone appears to be ancient. I so far have not been able to trace it on any maps but live in hope it was recorded somewhere. It was knocked over by farm contractors about 20 years ago and the farmer saved it - hence us using it.

The question is of course what was it? a rubbing post moved to the field by a farmer? an ancient way marker (my preferred thoughts so far) a mark of something under ground? a boundary mark? The field has not changed much since 1841 tithe maps, no one knows anything about it other than seeing it in the field - approx middle of field. There is no natural Granite in the area so it would presumably have been brought in from Dartmoor. (so it could be a Dartmoor cross)

With your interest and knowledge I wonder if you have any thoughts on it or where to locate any information?

The 1947 aerial pictures do not show it as too small I suppose but I will look again with a glass to see if I can locate the exact position in the field where it stood.

Philip Collins

February 16th 2010.

Hi there, Had to let you know of the great laugh I had today. I've been wandering around this excellent site of yours, and being a bird lover, found myself reading about the buzzards of Dartmoor. I really wondered at "grace the sky" and "majestic" used to describe these birds! Then I read on and realized you were describing what here in the States we call hawks. Buzzards, here, are synonymous with vultures, the huge ugly baldy head bird which eat carrion. :) Hawks, buteos, on the other hand truly are, like you say, majestic and graceful. Not completely lost in translation! Thanks for the thorough site!

Rebecca.

February 14th 2010.

Mr. Sandles, Thank you so much for your incredible site! It's been a wonderful supplement for my Dartmoor daydreaming. I've never visited in person, and probably never will, so pictures and stories are my manna. Have you ever considered putting all of your information from the site into hardcopy? Might be a bit more manageable to peruse in a book form. Thank you for your hard work on this project.

R Hardin

February 12th 2010.

Dear Tim Sandles,

Today, after many years, I finally made the long overdue pilgrimage to pay homage at the grave side of William Crossing in Mary Tavy Churchyard. Returning home I was prompted to see what information might be hiding on the Internet about this remarkable man and just wish to express my appreciation of the article you wrote about him under Legendary Dartmoor. Thanks to Brian Le Messurier it didn't take too long to find Crossing's resting place. I too was surprised to see no mention of his moorland associations on the headstone. Regarding your comments about "learned pontificators" I know of one place in particular where Hemery pours scorn on Crossing's recollections of a building and categorically denounces its existence. I refer to the Watchman's Hut on Huntingdon above the ruined blowing-house on the left bank of the River Avon in the area Crossing calls Higher Bottom. I have been to it on numerous occasions and only wish it were possible to drag Hemery there and "rub his nose in it". Isn't it so true of many deceased geniuses that they die in poverty with later generations reaping the benefits of their endeavours in more ways than one.
Thank you, Robert Woodland

February 10th 2010.

Dear Tim

I must congratulate you on your excellent Legendary Dartmoor website. With reference to Cut Hill and the apparent mis-naming of Cut Lane & Cut Hill streams, I contacted the OS and forward their reply. They say the DNPA say Cut Hill stream is correct, and 'Hangman's' is called Cut Hill Water !!

Further to my email of 3rd February regarding Cut Hill Stream.

We have contacted Dartmoor National Park about this issue. They have confirmed that OL 28 is correct and Cut Hill Stream runs NW to SE into the East Dart River and that the stream that flows west to east into the East Dart River is called Cut Hill Water. We have added the name Cut Hill Water to our mapping and this will be available in the next revision. We do appreciate the time and trouble you have spent in communicating with Ordnance Survey.

Best wishes Ron Quilter

February 8th 2010.

Sir,
I've recently found your fantastic web site and I've just been reading about Haytor. In September 1960 I joined the Royal Signals junior leaders regiment that was stationed at Denbury, where the prison now stands. I have a distinct memory of being invited to go rock climbing at Haytor on my first Sunday there and I can positively state that the iron hand rail was gone at that time. I always wondered who by and when the steps were carved.
I recall many days spent on the moor during my two years as a boy soldier. Among the most vivid of these of course is the 'Ten Tors' expedition, getting lost at night in a blizzard and the day the whole regiment was turned out on 'operation litter bug'.
Many thanks for your work on this project.
Roger Lashly

January 29th 2010.

I have noticed on your page devoted to Wells and springs that you give a map reference of SX 7107 7640 for this well / spring.

I visited the "Slades Well" marked on the OS 1:25000 map north of Chinkwell Tor and my GPS gave a reference of SX 7282 7840 which very much agrees with the marked position. I have submitted two pictures to Geograph for the square SX 7278. I hope this is of use to you.

Guy.

Thanks Guy, got the Slade's and the Shere wells mixed up.

January 22nd 2010.

Hi Tim

Just been told about your Gutter Tor Cross page by Liz Miall (Dartmoor guide), not bad ... I was there yesterday and took the attached photos of the very nearby damaged apple crusher as well. You're welcome to use them if you feel the need!

No doubt better photos will be taken in sunshine at some date.

Cheers - Keith

January 17th 2010.

Dear Mr. Sandles:

I am writing you in regards to the story on your website about the Oxenham family. I have been trying to find out more information about this phenomenon of seeing white birds before the death of a family member. Would you be able to suggest any websites or resources about this?

When I was a young women (I’m 53 now), my mother told me that her Mom saw white birds before a family member died. Mom told me grandma hated it when she saw a white bird, which she saw in her mind’s eye, because she didn’t know who was going to die or when. I didn’t think much of the story until after my own mother died about 9 years ago. Before she died I saw all kinds of white birds in my mind’s eye. I had completely forgotten my grandma’s experience by then. After having a few similar experiences over the years since my mom’s death, I am convinced I have inherited my grandma’s “gift.” As far as I can tell, I only see a white bird before blood relatives die.

I decided to keep a record of this phenomenon as an experiment and do more research on the folklore related to it. My mother’s family heritage is Irish and maybe Scottish, and I’m wondering if that may have anything to do with it.

Cordially, Monica Curry

January 13th 2010.

Hi, I have been doing a bit of research recently on Dartmoor plains and came across " Horrapit " plain mentioned on your website. I can however find no mention of it in any of my Dartmoor books, was wondering if you could enlighten me with a grid reference at all?

Yours Jason Maddick

January 7th 2010.

Dear Mr Sandles

Reading your excellent article on the Duchy Hotel, I came across “Amongst the artists who stayed there were B. W. Leader who was supposed to have painted some 'exquisite gems' on the shutters of the hotel. Although William Crossing refutes this by saying Aaron Rowe informed him that a Mr. A. B. Collier was the culprit, (Crossing, 1966, p.125).”

For what it’s worth (!), Arthur Bevan Collier, RA, lived at Carthamartha, about six miles S of Launceston on the Cornish bank of the Tamar. His obituary states “Dartmoor and the Thames valley, in addition to the immediate neighbourhood of his home, fascinated the artist, and excellent was the result.” I’m not sure when he died – somewhere around 1900 – but I could go and check his gravestone a mile or two away, at Lezant. Interestingly, and probably coincidentally, the largest local landowners then were called Rowe – and still are.

My parents bought Carthamartha in 1962, when I was 15, and instantly (in my opinion unforgivably) had it demolished. I live there still, in a bungalow they built on the site. The old house was dilapidated, and I only saw it once, but I remember that all the internal doors were painted with flowers and country scenes, so I would imagine Aaron Rowe was very probably right in stating that A.B.C. painted his shutters. I have one painting by him, and a photograph of the interior of the old house in its heyday, showing several paintings of his, including some decorated furniture.

Best regards

Nigel Jonas

December 29th 2009.

Just to let you know that I visited this tor in the snow today. I followed the instructions from Hemery’s book High Dartmoor and I can give you a grid reference for your readers – it is 6836 8341.

There was even a small herd of red deer in the valley down there so a lovely way to spend Christmas Day. Thanks for all of the info on your site. I have only a few of your tors to visit to complete the lot and start again!

Happy Christmas. - Tony Owen

Thanks Tony, I have added the grid reference to the page.

December 12th 2009.

Hi Tim,

Firstly can I say what a fantastic and very interesting website you have made. A very enjoyable read, you can just feel the myth and legends come to life when walking over the moors.

I have been hiking for years mainly over Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons and have recently moved down to Devon. I have already gone on a few hikes over the moors. Whilst hiking I came across some people letterboxing. I thought that this was a fantastic idea and a great way of getting to know the moor. I would love to get my own stamp made up so i can leave my mark on the books. I was wondering whether you can recommend a good place to get a stamp made up?

Thanks for the help

All the best - John

December 12th 2009.

Hi, Just found your site and read of the sighting of a big black cat on Manaton green in April 2004. I actually saw this cat on several occasions and have clear photographs of its tracks in the snow taken just a few moments after sighting the beast. Its too lengthy to go into in an email but I have bred Burmese cats for 21 years so wouldn't be confused by any other animal nor its size especially very close up. I first spotted it a day before it was seen by others at the village green on the opposite side of the village at a woodland edge sitting in the open looking up at birds who were making loud alarm calls, the noise is what drew my attention, I noticed the size of the cat immediately and was drawn by fascination to approach it, much to my surprise it didn't move but merely switched its attention back and forth between myself and the birds, as I got about 30 yards away with my knees like jelly and my heart fit to explode I decided that I ought to try to scare it off so I shouted and clapped my hands, at first it didn't move but eventually stood for a few seconds looking directly at me and then turned and slowly walked into the trees. The cat was (I did some comparative measuring) knee high about 4 feet long and intensely black, the coat seemed to be more an absence of light rather than black, the blackness of an underground cavern, it was most definitely a black Puma with a long tail. Since the April 04 sighting I have seen it twice more including in the snow when I managed to get the picture of its tracks, I took one of my mature cats out in the snow and did some comparison pictures of her tracks, both sets against my hand as a scale.

My opinion is that it lived on small game which is plentiful. I do not believe it large enough nor desperate enough to attack large animals such as ponies and sheep, (more likely dogs) and from its lack of fear of humans it must have been a pet at some time, I expect it now dead of old age and given the nature of the moor unlikely its corpse would be found.

I hope you found this of some interest, If the Puma and its kin are still out there I hope they remain undisturbed, free to live out a natural life.

Regards John

December 4th 2009.

Hi Tim,

Just found your site, too much to take in one visit, but for a guy brought up on Dartmoor at hillside Merrivale Bridge, it brings to life all I remember, even though my memories are dimming in age, I visit all to rarely now, and being at Denbury at the outset of the Ten Tors it is remarkable how large this early training exercise has become. I look forward to more reading over the next few weeks/months.

Thank you again.

Tony Pope

November 29th 2009.

Dear Tim,

Dartmoor has held an enduring enigma and magnetism for me for many years now, so all the more surprising that I only discovered your excellent website a few days ago. Thanks for a superb site which I am looking forward to reading from start to finish over the winter.

On Saturday 21st November, a friend, Steve Dent, and I undertook an 18 mile round walk on Dartmoor which started at Whiteworks car park taking in the Swincombe Valley, Ter Hill, Ryder’s Hill, Pupper’s Hill, Huntingdon Cross, Erme Pits, the Langcombe Hill trig point and then crossing the Plym River at Ditsworthy to take a stroll back via Nun’s Cross in the dark. The weather was foul in a way that Dartmoor weather has a habit of being but also as it turned out, a severe weather warning weekend; the arduous crossing from Erme Pits across Langcombe Hill was like walking against a freezing pressure washer.

I’ve crossed the Plym at Ditsworthy on three previous occasions in mid winter using both the weir crossing and the ford. When the river hove in to view at half three in the afternoon coming down from Hen Tor I could see immediately that the logic was flawed. The volume and speed of water on the river was phenomenal and certainly un-crossable: one thing I’m certain of is that any attempt to cross would have made the headlines of the local papers in the most undesirable way. This was the part of the walk that I was the least concerned about and a stark reminder that Dartmoor is no home for complacency! After looking at the ford, the weir, the ford, the weir, walking up stream, considering the possibilities, the only reasonable course of action was an unscheduled and un-researched pitch dark hike over to Trowlesworthy Farm and hence to Cadover Bridge with the prospect of a very long walk back to Whiteworks, or a taxi. Heroism can wait for another day.

But back to the Legendary Dartmoor website…. It’s kindled an immediate desire to get back to the Moor and explore more. Next time I write I’ll try to do as your other visitors’ book contributors do and make some more learned comment.

With kind regards,

Graham Rouse

November 28th 2009.

Hi Tim,

My name is Emma and I'm a Canadian student doing my teacher training at the University of Exeter. I'll be teaching secondary English with drama. Our major term project is to design a 6 week scheme of work for a year 7 class. I've chosen to do mine on Dartmoor legends. I've never even been to Dartmoor but it seems magically alluring to me.

Looking through your website I've realised the wealth of legends that exist. I was wondering if you could point me to your favourites -- or something you think a year 7 student would enjoy.

Also, in your biography you mention a TV program in which you're featured. Where can I get my hands on a recording? I think it might be a good resource for background information.

I would really love to hear any ideas you might have. I'm really excited about this project and would like to make it as interesting as possible for my future students!

Thanks so much for your time and for making such an interesting website!

Emma

November 22nd 2009.

Tim- I've just finished watching The Hound of The Baskervilles for the umpteenth time. A great movie. I find the bogs and moors very interesting and was moved to "dig" into them a bit on the net and "stepped" into your site. It is very fascinating. I'd love to see the bogs in the flesh, but alas, funds. For now I'll have to be satisfied with your vivid descriptions and photos. Great stuff. Thanks! Pat Parker Centralia, Washington USA.

November 19th 2009.

Hi Tim, Always a good interesting web site, where one is able to gain a considerable amount of knowledge. As a second year student at Plymouth University studying Archaeological Practice I have to produce a research project throughout the year on my chosen subject. As I live in Ivybridge am a great lover of Dartmoor I am choosing to do a study on the Staldon Row with a phenomenological approach. I have the Butler books and Worth's Dartmoor. As you seem to have a great knowledge of Dartmoor and its sites I would be extremely grateful of any considerations or help you would be able to provide me with. Thanks Alistair.

November 13th 2009.

I walked out to the Grey Wethers last Monday. What I saw, and what maps ans aerial views of them I have seen suggest to me is that there are are two separate stone circles next to each other, not one inside the other. So what do you mean when you say that the circles are concentric, which is stated twice in the web page.

David Tyers

Many thanks for pointing out the error, this has now been corrected, by the way - which charm school did you go to?

November 10th 2009.

Good Morning Tim

I am writing in the hope you may be able to assist - I am currently researching for BBC Radio Devon. Pippa Quelch BBC Radio Devon is producing a radio programme to go out on Friday 13th November the main topic will be superstitions.

We came across your site online and wondered if you would be prepared to take part in the show? If you are free the show will be recorded on Friday 13th and you would need to be in the studio by 3 pm.

Best wishes

Byron Jackson

November 9th 2009.

I recently came across your website 'legendarydartmoor.co.uk' when researching different types of wetland, trying to find some more information for my studies on dartmoor conservation.

After reading through your 'about the author' page it became obvious that you know a lot about dartmoor, and have been there many times. I was wondering if you could help me: How did you go about getting all of your knowledge in the first place? I'm curious about different methods of research, such as practical work and theory, comparisons between the two and how you would go about doing any practical work on wetlands without professional equipment etc.

Thanks. Any help would be appreciated,
Caz.
 

November 1st 2009.

Dear Mr Sandles,

As a reader who has always enjoyed reading your Legendary Dartmoor site, I was taken aback by the remarks you make in your moorland ramblings article (the part about John Bishop's house). As someone who has lived and worked on Dartmoor all my life (I was brought up at Ford Farm in Manaton), I know something of the issues around conservation. For many years I worked on my father's farm, but I have also been working in Dartmoor primary schools introducing Year 5 and 6 children to Dartmoor's history and folklore since 1991.

I am now director of MED Theatre, the community theatre company which led the project about children highlighting their aspirations which you refer to. I find it disappointing that you should damn their efforts to engage with conservation on Dartmoor. If the young people who live here are not introduced to the importance of Dartmoor's heritage, and encourage to engage with it, then their attitude to it when they assume positions of power and responsibility, is likely to be uninformed. How will these children feel when they come across your comment about their project, which involved two years hard work, resulting in two Dartmoor plays and a DVD documenting their developing attitudes to their local heritage? I agree with you that John Bishop's house should be conserved.

Yours sincerely Mark Beeson

October 31st 2009.

Hi Tim

Thanks for a great site, which I regularly visit.

I read with interest the legend of the fire at the Warren House Inn! I then investigated the legend that it is the oft-stated "fact" that it is the third highest pub in England. I found an internet source that stated it was, in fact, only the tenth highest pub in England - http://www.garydickson.co.uk/pubs.html. I have had a look at the pubs concerned on Google Earth and confirmed with OS maps, and have compiled the following list, which is in the same order as the website above:

Tan Hill Inn DL11 6ED 523ft 1717m, Cat & Fiddle Inn SK11 0AR 515ft 1691m, Travellers Rest SK17 0SN 465ft 1528m, New Inn SK17 OSW 467ft 1531m, Kirkstone Pass LA22 9LQ 450ft 1477m, Royal Cottage Inn ST13 8UH 452ft 1486m, Mermaid Inn ST13 8UN 444ft 1458m, Winking Man ST13 8UH 443ft 1456m, Miners Arms CA9 3PF 435ft 1430m and Warren House Inn PL20 6TA 431ft 1417m

Kind regards

Andrew Hackney

October 29th 2009.

Dear Tim,

Hello!

You may recall that I contacted you some time ago during my research for the book - remember the Maximajor stone?. I'm pleased to say that it has now been published and I hope you might be interested in buying a copy. I've attached a one-page file which gives a resume and incorporates an order form. I'd be very pleased if you helped in the sales drive of a first-time author!.

Best regards,

George Major

October 28th 2009.

Hello Tim, sorry to bother you, I am emailing from the Tavistock Times, I have done a story about a couple from near Lyme Regis who have a family connection to a man called Harry Hoar who shot his former fiancé after she left him, this was back in 1879. I was then informed of your story about the Peter Tavy murders and was wondering if I could use some information from your page? We could put your name by the story if you would like?

Hope you can help?

Best wishes, Lindsay Bright

October 27th 2009.

Hi Tim

Have found your website today while sitting in China Blue in Totnes waiting for wife and daughter to create their masterpieces! I put Logan stone into Google on my Blackberry as I wanted to find out what they were as I have seen them on the maps ( also nutcrackers), your site came up and I must say it looks great with loads of info.

I live with my family in Paignton and used to go onto the moor as a child with my father. We holiday a lot in the Highlands and I have an ambition to walk the Larig Ghru in the Caingorms ( the 40 mile circular), but first I must get fit enough and what better place to train than Dartmoor. It has now gone further than that I we are now aiming to walk every Tor on the moor and the accessible ones off the moor. I am using reference books by A D Johnson Walking the Tors and Hilltops of Dartmoor he lists 190 of them and also a book that is now out of print called The A to Z of Dartmoor Tors by Terry Bound he lists app 300! I am wondering if you know of any other references available and if their is an actual definitive guide to how many Tors there are, their names and locations. Since September we have clocked up ninety tors on my days off! I am also planning in the spring to walk from Ivybridge to Okehampton, camp the night then walk back the next day. In the summer I want to circum-navigate the moor, I may do this one in aid of Rowcroft Hospice Charity, I would imagine this to take a few days! Since I have started this Tor bagging game I have become increasingly more interested into the history of Dartmoor, for me getting onto the Moor is a release of the daily routine of running my own Taxi company and I find an immense connection with the landscape as I do in Scotland. I will enjoy reading your info on your site, if you have any ideas for me I would be very grateful.

many thanks

Steve

October 22nd 2009.

I have been putting a few links to your pages from our gazetteer page and have just checked yo put in one for the Ten Commandments at Buckland Beacon when I noticed two tiny mistakes. I am assuming that you would want to know about them on the basis that I always want to know whent there are errors on our web site.

So, http://www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/ten_command.htm and the last paragraph. . . . stream allowed to to wash . . . (him to?) and . . . 1995 and the letter painted . . . (letters?)

All best wishes

Rodney Willett

Many thanks for pointing out the 'typos', one good turn deserves another - see above.

October 20th 2009.

Hello. My name is Alec Graham. I've been looking at your site, especially the pages about RAF plane crashes on Dartmoor.

I have been researching what happened to my uncle, Pilot Officer Alec Graham and it was his Spitfire that crashed and unfortunately killed him. It has been my intention to try to visit the crash site for sometime. If you would like more details to update your site I am happy to provide them.

Best wishes

Alec Graham

October 15th 2009.

Dear Tim Sandles

Sorry to trouble you with this e-mail - but just wondered if you could help with the following :- I am presently compiling a small book on the Pseudo meteoric events of the British Isles - ( including some Fireball incidents ) - which I hope to self publish next year, and in researching same, I came upon your interesting website, and your feature on the event at Widdecombe in the Moor in 1638.

As this event is of interest to my own project, I write to inquire if I may reference your website in my proposed book - on the understanding that due credit is given to your work and to the original data sources. I do not wish to copy your work verbatim - but use my own wording where possible - to avoid undermining your own research effort.

Please advise if this is acceptable to you,

Thanking you for your time yours sincerely

JAMES D ROBINSON.

October 14th 2009.

I found your very interesting item on Brittan after deciding to research the history of two old pictures I acquired some time ago. I must admit I had never heard of him but just loved the scenes of Dartmoor. They are, I believe, framed prints(?) with mounts handwritten Charles E Brittan with the titles 'Crip Tor & Sharp Tor' and 'Walkham Valley & Pew Tor'. The latter has a group of very indistinct sheep or brush on the left about two-thirds of the way down the picture and large clear granite slabs in the lower foreground on the right with some misty trees/shrubs in the background just over half way across to the right. The former has again clear large slabs and heather in the left bottom corner, four sheep towards the right and a misty hill with trees/shrubs on the horizon to the left.

Celia Snoxell

October 12th 2009.

Having returned 'home' for a weekend in Exeter, I came across the Giant's Chair whilst out cycling and discovered your website when looking for info on it. Following up on this I see that the recent planning app has now been withdrawn with some mention of possible agreement of a new location for the chair. I wonder if it is related to the other email you mention receiving?

I hope the new site, if it does indeed move, provides an equally compelling view. I think the location as much as the structure itself it what makes it so special. Many thanks for your wonderful site!

Regards Simon

October 11th 2009.

Hello Tim,

Having today taken a very wet and misty walk on the ridge, I became fascinated with the 'anti - glider' poles that are still visible on the ridge, and to which you site gives some information. I am intrigued as to 'why there?' Presumably these were also placed on other parts of the moor that would have been considered landing sites, or was there some strategic significance associated with the ridge?

My only conclusion was that it is pretty high up, so if you are going to bump a glider it seems a convenient place to do so , but with a bit of a 'tab' to then get anywhere of (military) significance. Can you enlighten me any further?

Great site by the way.

Best wishes,

Andy H

October 11th 2009.

Hello Tim

Well I was on hols last week and it rained for 3 days, so I hardly saw anything that I wanted. I did, in fact, see the inside of pubs more than anywhere else!!

However, I did managed the small stone circle by Soussons Plantation and needless to say there was not a midge in sight!! I did dowse it and found five minor energy lines crossing it. But they are were not major ones. It is a very nice circle that has a lovely feeling inside it.

Can't tell you about any other circles as it is the only one I managed. Altogether a disappointment, as I had been looking forward to the week for soooooo long. Especially as we’d had 5 great weather weeks before and another one coming. I am usually so lucky when I go away. I shall have to try again another year.

Best wishes and thanks for your previous help, Pauline Jenkins

October 5th 2009.

Hi,

I am writing to enquire whether we may be able to set up links via websites. We have a simple and inexpensive camping field currently used by schools and colleges for expedition training and basic camping skills. We are in the process of building our website and would like to advertise sites such as yours, providing as much information as possible for our visitors.

I look forward to hearing from you on this matter.

Kind Regards, Karen Vass

October 2nd 2009.

Hi, you mention History channel documentary due in October, don't want to miss your TV debut do you know what it will be called so I can keep an eye out for it, I have tried doing search on History page but nothing came up. Thanks for your web site very informative and you have a great sense of humour!.

Maureen & Robin Vane

September 30th 2009.

Thank you very much, one of the nicest things I have read on the old chap. I will forward it to my children. Perhaps one day we will meet.

Regards, Peter Crossing

September 22nd 2009.

Hello! I love visiting your extensive and informative site about Dartmoor. I am very much interested in Vixen Tor, as I would like to put it in a story I am writing. I know there is a small cave on its south side. Can you tell me anything about this cave (size, depth, etc) and might you have photos of it? I realize I cannot go and explore it, as it is closed to the public.

Thank you

Mark Torrender

September 21st 2009.

Hi!

I just wanted to make contact and say haw much I've enjoyed reading through your site. When I first started letter boxing it was invaluable in persuading my 9 year old son it was a worthwhile pursuit but after just one trip to Bellever Tor he was as hooked as me! Last weekend we followed your short route to the Mecca - Cranmere Pool..... So I feel like a 'real' letter boxer now I've been there!

Just a quick question following that trip (seeing as you seem to be a fountain of Knowledge) : do you know why and for how long the military road is closed? There are some fantastic places along that road we wound love to explore some time soon!

Thanks again Pete (Exmouth)

September 16th 2009.

Sir,

please do not think me absurd when I recall that as a boy ( b 1939), I remember that my parents had a bottle opener that had particular appeal for my three sisters and myself. Alas the bottle opener disappeared sometime in the 1950's and I would like to find a replacement. About 41/2 inches in length. The mouth of the bottle opener was steel. At the top of the tool was seated a solid brass Dartmoor Pixie. I would like to make a day trip to Dartmoor to try to locate such a bottle opener (new or antique) but I do have a long way to travel from the Midlands and I wonder if you could perhaps advise me on the most likely town or village where such curios may be found. I would be most grateful for whatever advice you are able to give.
Yours sincerely, Alan Sims.

September 15th 2009.

Hi Tim,

Sorry personal name use. I know we've never met, but ... I'm a personal name user!

I have visited you site many times and may I say .... I don't know how you have the energy to plough so much time and variation into it! ... but, so glad that you do. I have been meaning to pass my appreciation to you for quite some time. I love visiting and walking on the moor. I also like folksong, folklore, storytelling and photography, so what a find your site was to find. Whereas I used to do long hikes over the tors, as a striding athlete, nowadays I tend to do "strolls" usually with some "focus" attached to them. Some of those focuses have been to visit places of stories you've mentioned and to take a photo memento of "the scene". Thanks for your efforts!

The timing of this particular email is really that I was on Sheeps Tor this past Sunday and thought I'd pay another visit to the Pixy Cave in its clitter. I had visited it some years ago, after much seeking and had crawled in and taken some photos, at that time in slide format. Being a digital camera user these days I thought that I would re-visit and take some digital pics. A glance at your mentioning it in a fairly recent website addition just brought it back to mind.

Well, it took me longer to find this time and, when I did find it, it took me more difficulty to crawl in! However, purely for your amusement I thought you might like to see some very up to date shots of the interior. Inside I found the little ceramic pixy and two letterbox cans. A job to get great shots but I thought worth a try. I also certainly took some outside shots ... to help find it next time!!!

As I say, love your site. Congratulation! Having recently retired from Special School teaching I hope to have a bit more time for more rambles. Good wishes, Roger Smith

September 8th 2009

Hi

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your Legendary Dartmoor Series. I live in Torquay and last year with my 11 year old grandson started Letterboxing. After many adventures on Dartmoor (including losing him on the path to Wistman's Wood, very spooky) I looked on your site and it inspired me to write a work of fiction based on some of the obscure connections I have made on Dartmoor. Not that I believe in the spirit world etc. I’m finding the place fascinating and as a result of your website have visited previously ignored sites and landmarks. If I ever get this written and published you will be the first to know but I just wanted to know how much I appreciated your website.

Regards, Lesley

August 29th 2009.

‘Thar be piskies up on Dartymoor, And ‘tidn’t no good you say thar baint, I’ve felt um grauping at my heart, I’ve heard their voices calling faint’ - I saw this on your site, with interest. Who is the author of the poem? I remember it from long ago - or at least, some of it - and I'd like to see again the whole poem. Can you assist?

Regards, MC.

August 26th 2009.

Hi Tim,

I see on your links page that you are open to requests to include links to other not-for-profit sites. I would be most grateful if you would link to my site, www.devonperspectives.co.uk, which now has a fair bit of content relating to Dartmoor and the towns around it. I have used your site as a valuable source of reference in many instances, and have included various links to Legendary Dartmoor pages, including a link to your home page on mine.

Regards, Tony Dunlop

August 24th 2009
Hi Tim,
I've been very much enjoying your website, and wondered if I might trouble you with a quick random question: Hypothetically, if one found oneself on Dartmoor around May-time, in the Tavistock/Casey Town area, would there be any berries etc. available to pick off bushes and eat? I know it's an odd question, but I just wondered if you could help.
Thanks in advance,
Lyndsay Wheble

August 24th 2009
Dear Dartmoorlander
I wondered if you have available in high res scan your black and white image of Wistman’s Wood. We would like to consider it for the above title which is a collection of essays with an introduction by Bill Bryson, published in aid of the CPRE.  Nothing is certain at the moment, but it would be nice to know whether or not a scan would be available.
All best
Sheila

August 24th 2009
We were delighted to see the Giant's Chair on our recent visit to England and Dartmoor. The view is superb and the chair is wonderful. I am rather amazed that the Park Planning board wants it removed. The only reason we heard about it was word of mouth from a local source and there was only one other couple on the path. It is rather a long way and we saw only one car parked near the entrance and that was to see Jay's grave which is noted in most tour guides and the more likely cause of parked cars. Besides the local bus does goes there. It is very sad that such a wonderful spontaneous piece of sculpture should be removed. Dartmoor is a lovely place to visit and the Chair is a surprising (in the best way) addition. I am glad we experienced it before its planned demise. Thank you for your interesting and entertaining site and I hope the Chair is saved.

August 20th 2009.
Hello What a fantastic website. I'm so glad I found you.
Callie

August 16th 2009.
Hello,
I was going through some things of my Mom's and came across a picture which hung in our family home as long as I can remember. It is signed in the bottom right corner. It is in it's original frame and matt. The painting is called "Walkham Valley and Pew tor". Perhaps you could refer me to someone to appraise this work and tell me something about it.
Thanking you in advance,
Jean Green, Brighton, Ontario, Canada.

August 16th 2009
Hi Tim,
My name is Ian Clifton and I am very lucky to be living in Tavistock and for the 2years, I was even more fortunate to able to ride out on the moor all day as my job. Whilst out riding I was always intrigued by the Tors and origin of their names. Unfortunately I have never been able to trace any books which cover this area of my needs for this information. I would very much appreciate any information you could give me that will help me in my quest.
Many thanks Ian.

August 9th 2009
Hi Tim,
We corresponded last winter about Whiddon Deer Park and the deer of the Teign Valley. At the time, I promised you some photographs. These will eventually be forthcoming (life gets in the way...), but in the meantime I have been out picking berries, and looked up your excellent webpage on the subject - lots of interesting history I didn't know. I have taken a few pictures for a blog entry - please find attached - you are most welcome to use these on your page if you are interested. If not, I will not be offended! As I have said before, I find your site very useful, and would like to give back if I can. Deer Park pictures to follow eventually!
Cheers, Phil Mason
See Dartmoor Hurts page for Phil's photos - HERE

August 9th 2009
I am trying to put together a story about Kitty Jay of Jay's Grave. Where can I get some information on the 'ghost'. I am also looking for info about The Ghost Rider east of Widecombe, the ghost cottage, the ghostly hitch-hiker on the A38 and The Watchers Place on the B3212 near(ish) the town of Moretonhampstead.
Yours - John Barnes, Perth, Western Australia.

August 2nd 2009
Just been doing some research for my week’s holiday on Dartmoor in a couple of months time and I came across your great websites. As I am new to the Dartmoor area could you please tell me how to get to Scorhill Circle. I have an OS map but can't work out where I can park car and start the walk to the circle. I am not one of the worlds great walkers so any help would be extremely helpful. Thanks so much,
With kind regards
Pauline Jenkins

August 4th 2009
Hi, I was just wondering if the giants chair at Natsworthy is still there? I visited it last year and thought it was brilliant, and would love to take my friend to see it. However I had heard rumours that it was coming down. Thanks, Clare.

July 31st 2009
Patron Saint of Dartmoor - I went to your page seeking elucidation on a quote from A Handbook of Devon Parishes by Helen Harris. The quote was "It [St Michael's Church CHAGFORD] includes a chapel dedicated to St Katherine, patron saint of tinners." If such is true then she must be up there a a good contender for the post. If I find out some support for the idea I'll let you know.
Melville Bishop

July 28th 2009
Myself and two other walkers recently completed walks where we visited every stone cross on Dartmoor. We've decided to have a follow up project and thought perhaps bridges, in particular, clapper bridges, might be a suitable target. However, we have struggled to find a suitable text or list of bridges that we can purchase and plan our routes. Have you got any recommendations? I noticed a reference on your website to a book entitled 'Clapper Bridge' by T. Darvill (2002), but I presume this about clapper bridges in general. Even so I might still be interested in acquiring it. Could you supply me with further details please. Thanks in anticipation - Laurence Day.

July 27th 2009
I am trolling around looking for family info (Moretonhampstead) and came across your site. Thank you for all the information.
Just one thing:
Sales Mananger? :)
Mary Sawtell.

July 16th 2009
Hello Tim
This is just a quick Thank You note for you!
We really like your website, it gives a lot of information, presented in an understandable and clear way. In August we're hoping to spend our Summer holidays on Dartmoor, in Manaton. Your site is a big help for us, as now we can have a first look at what is of interest. To that purpose we've saved your complete site onto the disk of our notebook, so we can bring it with us.
Wishing you all the best with your site,
Elisabeth & Erik Jan Eskes The Netherlands.

July 14th 2009
Hello, After a walk on Pew Tor this evening, we were driving back to Tavistock and saw a hare heading towards Horrabridge. I've never seen one before, but it was too big to be a rabbit - very long legs and big pointy ears. It was a lovely sight! Just thought that you might like to know that there are some still around! Kind regards

Jon.

July 12th 2009
Dear Dartmoorlander,

Having been up to the chair a few times and thinking how wonderful the view and the ambience is up there on a nice day I had to know what’s the situation now – has it been taken down/plans made to take it down?
It would be such a shame if it has!
Many thanks, Bill.

July 9th 2009
Forgive the intrusion but I wonder if you could let me know the fate of the Natsworthy Chair? I cannot find anyone who can let me know the address/email/tel. number of the owner? I would be interested in contacting them as we have a place for it to go , outside the park but on the moor.
regards Gavin Dollard Delamore Arts.

July 6th 2009
Hi,
I have recommended your excellent site to many and actually visited it this evening to show lady from nearby Lamerton who wanted a poem or some prose for their Festival. It may not seem connected but we live right next to the gorge and when first researching our property, it wasn't until a visit to the records office in Exeter and a look at the earliest map that I discovered that the waterfall and that part of Brentor was not even Brentor Parish but part of Lamerton.
I write to point out that the fourth painting at the bottom of the left hand column of your White Lady photo collection could be the Devils Cauldron at the opposite end of the gorge but is more likely to be Kitts Steps, slightly upstream of the gorge and actually closer to Lydford than the White Lady waterfall. This much smaller waterfall on the Lyd is more powerful but not as tall, was also part of the Victorian tour of Lydford and is sometime called the Lydford Cascade. I have a couple of photos, one from a postcard and another taken myself last year. Unfortunately it was many years ago that the then owners decided to fence them of for safety and it has remained out of bounds ever since. The current owner will take visitors but it is now so over grown to be hard to appreciate.
I have put a photo on that website that show the white lady water fall in full flow with a white lady in a wedding holding a posy. Takes a bit of imagination but not too difficult.
Regards, Adrian Hepworth.

June 25th 2009
Although I have been walking over the moor for a few years, I have only today come across your web-site. What a wonderful site it is, lightly written and with really interesting facts. I think we all agree with your comments regarding the “mad hatter.”
I shall be using your site regularly from now on and thank you for the information that it contains.
I live near Bishopsteignton, so am regularly up on the moor, year round. One of my favourite days is to catch the bus from Newton Abbot to Haytor and then walk home along the Templar Way.
Yours sincerely, Chris Grimshaw.

June 19th 2009.
I am contracted to write a book about Derbyshire Crime. I have your article about George Woodcock and have written a little about him especially his links with Derbyshire. I seek permission to reproduce into my book the cartouche of him at the prison gates.
Thanking you in anticipation Peter.

June 19th 2009.
After browsing a few websites for "Lady Howard", I came upon the Legendary Dartmoor site. I want to commend you on the best and most complete recounting of the 'Wicked Lady Howard' legend and the true stories of the characters. In the early 1960's I was travelling one late night through the Devonshire countryside when our van passed a lone bicyclist wearing a dark coat. After travelling a short distance our curiosity prompted us to turn around to get a better look at the man. Once again we found him riding toward us. Again we turned around to continue our journey but now the road was empty. I suppose this could be spun into a ghostly tale given enough time. After recounting the experience to several local residents we were told that there was a simple explanation for what we had seen. Apparently there was a man living in that area who composed crossword puzzles and did so while riding his bicycle late at night. He was able to keep the whole composition in memory until he returned home and put it to paper.

June 18th 2009.
Dear Mr Sandles,
I note on your web site you quote a verse written by my great great grandfather, Edward Capern. Capern, as you may know, was a passionate Devonian. I thought you might like to know that I have just published a book about Capern - "Edward Capern, the Postman-Poet" published by Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie - www.pegasuspublishers.com
With best wishes, yours sincerely, Ilfra Goldberg.

3rd May 2009
Hi Tim,
I thought I might send you some info on Sheeps Tor on Dartmoor in particular the location of the Piskies Cave as I managed to photograph it for you, seeing as I have gained so much inspiration for my book from your website, I thought I would return the favour.
I am currently writing a children's fantasy novel set on Dartmoor and am doing my field research and so wanted to find the location of the cave going on the 1890 description from William Crossing in his Dartmoor Piskie book. I found it, it was not easy but when you know where it is, it is quite obvious really. I found a few letterboxes on the Tor with many people's comments on not finding it, it seems everyone is looking to high up on the Tor.
The actual cave is exactly as Crossing describes, in size and difficulty to gain access to, but a perfect hideaway. A date from I think 1911 seems to be carved into the rock inside and it did have a few mysterious items in it, including a pixie statue and a resident bat.
I have taken photo's from the entrance towards two barns directly in front of it, the cave lies in the huge clitter of boulders quite low down on the Tor directly North from the barns as the crow flies, near a small tree amidst the rocks, the cave is sitting amidst hundreds of fallen boulders below the huge precipice of Sheeps Tor, The village church is clearly visible from the entrance. Access into the cave is a struggle but well worth the effort, and in fact there is a sister cave next door with a sign inside saying Pixie Paul's Cave. There a few items left by others in both caves as gifts for the pixies. Enjoy the photo's and watch out for my novel.
P.S Don't wear shorts when cave hunting.
Kindest Regards
J.J. Adams.

1st May 2009
Mr. Sandles, I felt I had to drop you a line thanking you for the information you posted on your “Legendary Dartmoor” site concerning wart charmers. I was telling a friend of mine about how I could remove warts. Although she didn’t come out and say she thought it was a lot of hooey, I was pleased to be able to show her your wart charming info.

I’ve been removing warts since my early teens. At first I bought them, but now just need to see them. To “legitimize” the process, I tend to touch them. Haven’t know of a wart I’ve not been able to remove.

Thanks again. I look forward to investigating more of your site.

Charming Chad

Chad S. Andrews
Administrative Assistant
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701.

19th April 2009
Hello Tim,
Firstly, you have an excellent website; informative with a nice splash of humour. As a keen walker myself, I too enjoy the various 'moods' that Dartmoor has to offer, and the inexplicable 'time and magic' that can capture a moments rest during a walk.
I am wondering if you are aware of an oddity that was pointed out to me when on a recent walk. I was standing at Smallacombe rocks overlooking the valley, when this pleasant elderly gent (clearly well informed) pointed out to me a carving in the rock which spelt the word 'DOOM.' This is not obvious to the eye (indeed I was sat on it!) but can be seen with a little effort (or water). It is somewhat eroded and there are no other clues as to why this word would be there . A quarryman from nearby Haytor perhaps? Smallacombe as you know comprises a number of scattered rocks, and I'm not sure how to pinpoint the preciseness of this carving on the standard OS map (and sadly don't possess anything as tech as a sat nav). If I ever get a reading I will let you know.
I thought it might interest you to know it was there.
Best wishes with your project.
Andrew.

14th April 2009
Dear Tim
I thought I would drop you a line to congratulate you on your website. I have been writing a small article on the River Dart and have been expanding on places such as Wistman's wood, Buckland in the Moor, Jolly Lane cot etc. The background information which you provide help to bring the places "to life".
Although it is only a 3 part x 2 page article I have quoted your website address in the reference list in the hope that other people will gain great pleasure from your site.
I am principally a photographer by trade and you may be interested in seeing some of my Dartmoor images on my website. I would imagine that they are all very familiar to you.
With my best wishes
Nick
www.nickshepherd.com

22nd March 2009
Dear Tim Sandles
Went for a walk yesterday--some muddy lanes in the dull hills near Chisinau--and thought again of Dartmoor, where I have strode many a mile drinking in the stately way in which the tors drape themselves about the horizon. Those thoughts, reinforced by your excellent website, were almost as good as being there.
My grandfather Jack Hill was born in Peter Tavy in 1879, on Godsworthy farm (higher or lower not specified), and used to tell the tale of a villager who was curious about when, exactly, he fell asleep at night. And so, he had the grandfather clock brought up to his bedroom and placed at the foot of the bed, where its rattling and ticking and bonging kept him awake! And, said Jack, "You never know when you fall asleep, so how are you going to know it with a clock?" Jack would tell other tales, found also in Chaucer--not that he could real Middle English, or much of the modern sort either.
Have you read The Book of Peter Tavy and Cudlipptown by Dr Roger Meyrick and others? It's worth a read if you can find a copy.
Best, Michael Chisinau, Moldova.

10th January 2009
As a frequent walker on the moors I found your site excellent, informative and amusing.
Just out of interest, when recently walking at Smallacombe rocks, a nearby walker showed me the words 'DOOM' carved into one of the flat stones. This is now very weather worn and could hardly be seen. I have not seen reference to this in any other source, and I suspect its origin (? from a quarryman) has passed into myth. Are you aware of this and able to throw any light on the mystery?
I would not have known had I not literally been sat on the stone at the time!
Best wishes.
Andrew.

24th December 2008
Hi there, I just wanted to write and thank you for all the great work you do with the website. I've been viewing it on and off for quite some time now and its given me a lot of pleasure and info, particularly on the Beardown stones which is an area I love and know well from some memorable camping trips. I used to be a webmaster myself so I really do know how much work is involved so well done for keeping it up to date and free ! I'm currently looking through the section on waterfalls and its given me loads of ideas for my photography, many of which I'd never even heard of such as the beautiful one at Black Tor which I visited last weekend. Seasons greetings and happy new year to you, keep up the great work, its a fantastic site ! Best regards
Nathan.

23rd October 2008
Hi There! Just a few lines to let you know how much I appreciate your site :-)
Although I am/was a Londoner I was evacuated to Yelverton during the Hitler War at the age of 4 ( to a friend of my parents who were married there - Mum was the telephone exchange lady there and Dad worked at Cadover in the clay pits- even though he was an ex Rhondda coal miner! ).
For various reasons- none unpleasant - I was left there for 7 years and spent my time exploring the moors as the old dear I was with /*forgot*/ to send me to school!- taking the occasional salmon/ sea trout/ trout from the Meavy river and the Erme and selling them to the chef at the Rock Hotel.
Had a pony and the furthest I went was Wistman's wood !
Went back for a month for the first time in 2004 and basically, apart from the number of people on the moor, it was just as I remembered it !
Left UK in '63 to work overseas on a short contract and never went back !!
Now retired and living in Thailand - thanks again !
Pete Joyce.

17th September 2008
Hello Tim,
When I lived in South Zeal, about 6 years ago, the little fields above the town on the slopes of Cosdon where referred to me as "the pixie fields" - don't think the person who told me had Devon accent (not that that always tells you much), and she may have added "I always refer to them as the pixie fields" - so may have been her invention - can't remember... still, if that is true it shows places still garner these old meanings even now.
Well done on your brilliant web site!
Best regards, Thomas.

14th September 2008
Tim, I've been an avid reader of your site for a while now - congratulations on such an in depth and knowledgeable resource. I was reading your page on Rippon Tor last night, and the bit about signals being exchanged between Rippon Tor and Wells Cathedral struck a chord with me (I trained as a surveyor, although I don't do it any more). I'm struggling to see how this could be done, as every method I've used to check makes it seem like the Blackdown Hills (most notably the high ground between Dunkeswell and Smeatharpe airfields) are directly in the way. To check this I have used Memory Map's elevation data plotted as a long section between the two points, Google Earth's elevation data imported into Autodesk's Civil 3D and various checks on OSBMs around Wells. Neither DTM allows direct light transmission between the two points. The only way I can see it being done is between Rippon Tor and Pen Hill (the one with the transmitter), but even that seems like a stretch. I'd love to see a cite for these signals, because something in me really wants this to be true!
Cheers Dave.

4th June 2008
I just found your website on Legendary Dartmoor. I will be spending a lot of time exploring it in preparation for my trip to Britain. Thanks so much for making my homework easier for me. - Diane.

26th May 2008
Hi,
Thanks so much for the time you've taken compiling such an interesting website! I was really interested to read about John Trinnaman having grown up in Ivybridge and swam often in Trinnaman's Pool in the River Erme.
All we knew of the legend of Trinnaman as kids was that he hung himself from the tree above the boulder and that the hollow in the boulder was supposed to be made by the blood dripping from his body and those of his victims. We were also told that on the anniversary of his death, the hollow in the rock would be full of blood - there were times when it looked like it might have been from a distance but was only ever water on close inspection!
I never knew the back story so thanks for that however I think I still prefer my gory version of how the hollow in the rock was created to the version with the sand - they are legends after all!
Finally more thanks for the information on your website: I'll be taking a group walking from Okehampton to Ivybridge in June and they we're disappointed to hear how few pubs there were en route so I've now added the Moute's Inn to the trip. I really hope they'll understand the humour otherwise you may be writing about a "tragedy on Whitehorse Hill"!!!
Cheers, Graham.

23rd April 2008
Hello,
On your Maltern Way page you reference Hand Hill Cross giving it a map ref of SX 61328 69318. However, on your Northmore Cross page you give a reference of SX 61253 69679 accurate to 14ft. When I visited the Cross yesterday I got a reference close enough to SX61328 69318. As you will see from the OS 25,000 map, SX 61253 69679 places it close to the old Tin workings. I hope this helpful. Thank you for all your work on this site, I have lost count of how many times I have referred to its pages.
Regards,
Guy.

6th April 2008
What can I say????? Words are actually failing me!!!! This site is fantastic!!!!! I have been visiting Dartmoor for several decades and, being a pagan who is interested in myths, legends and anything ghostly, considered my knowledge to be more than adequate. But, having spent some time immersed in your site, I have had the pleasure of revisiting tales that I already knew and becoming acquainted with some I didn't. My husband and I are on Dartmoor for Samhain this year and, although I am busy on Oct 31st itself, we will be taking the Lych walk on the 1st.... Again, can't tell you how much I am enjoying the site - I'm not normally 'gushing' and I can't usually be bothered to post comments but this time I feel I have to.
Keep up the great work.
Blessed Be Sarah xxxx

5th March 2008

Hi Tim, couldn't work out how to post a visitor book entry on the website. Fab site, full of funny and interesting stuff - I look at it whenever I've got a query on Dartmoor. I'm perambulating at the start of April, so I'm looking forward to talking to the sheep again. I haven't been over since Christmas and I'm counting the days, even if the sheep aren't! Best wishes and many thanks. Matthew Crocker, Colchester.

11th February 2008
Hi Tim.
One of my personal challenges is to visit and photograph all the tors on Dartmoor. I have used the A to Z of Dartmoor Tors by Terry Bound as a basis for this but also have included a number of tors from Hemery to build up a superset of the tors in the A to Z. It is proving an interesting and long term task. I visited the Haytor Area yesterday and one of the tors I was looking for was Dream Tor. According to the A to Z it is in the garden of a house named Dream Tor in Haytor Vale. I visited the house and gardens and spoke to the house owners. They said that there is no tor, or granite stack even, in their garden, I certainly couldn't see one, so perhaps the author of the A to Z was using a little poetic licence in his description for this tor. I see in your list of tors on your site you have given Dream Tor as at SX 7709 7678. This reference also positions it in Haytor Vale but just across the road and slightly uphill from the house named Dream Tor. Was this a result of a visit on your part or were you also using the A to Z as a basis?
A friend of mine, who researches older Dartmoor authors and poets, advised me that Beatrice Chase had a favourite tor near where she lived in Widecombe, a hundred years ago, that she also named Dream Tor. It was not the true name of the tor however. Beatrice Chase had given not only a detailed description of views from it in one of her books ( The Heart of the Moor 1914 pages 78 - 80 ), but had also included a photograph of the tor in another of her books (The Dartmoor Window Again - published 1918 picture facing p 98 ) . She emailed me the relevant extracts from the two books. From the descriptions of the views and directions I triangulated and came to the conclusion that it could well be Wind Tor, a tor I haven't yet photographed. My friend also suggested I might Google to see if anything came up on the net. This brought me to your excellent site and your references to Beatrice Chase's Dream Tor. In your page on the author you indicate that the leading contender for Dream Tor is indeed Wind Tor, which seemed to reinforce my triangulated guess.
Browsing your site further I came upon an email from Janet Palmer (14th Nov 07) regarding your page on Beatrice Chase and Dream Tor. In the email Janet indicates that Peter Hicks, a close friend and carer for Beatrice had told her that Beatrice's Dream Tor was in fact Top Tor, a tor I had photographed for my own collection. Comparing the picture of Dream Tor in Beatrice Chases book ( The Dartmoor Window Again), with one of the pictures I took three years ago of Top Tor I can confirm that the picture of Beatrice at her Dream Tor really was at Top Tor, luckily I had taken a shot from the same angle as in the book. So although Wind Tor might have been the leading contender, Top Tor is by photographic evidence Beatrice's Dream Tor, thus confirming Janet Palmer's own research.
If you still have Janet Palmer's email address could you please send this email onto her as I'm sure she will be interested in the corroborative evidence that Top Tor was Beatrice's Dream Tor.
Again congratulations on a most informative site.
Dave Pawley A Dartmoor Enthusiast.

1st February 2008
Dear Tim
I have discovered your article on Garway Church - brilliant. I have visited the church several times and each visit reveals something unusual. A toad (live) in the passage to the tower was rather a surprise. Have you written on any other churches in the area?
I have been reading your article on the badger - for many years I have been searching for badger related folklore/tales etc with little success. The best being a reference in the Mabinogion to the game "Badger in the sack".
I have been wanting to write small article on badger lore for our Gwent Badger Group newsletter - a light relief from TB and badger digging. Would it be possible to refer to lore you wrote about in your article?
Again - what a great web-site to stumble across - your "green man" article is my next "dip into".
Best wishes
Mary - very OAP. Wish I had found your Dartmoor site in my active days!

30th January 2008
Hi Tim

With a colleague I am researching the 1240 perambulation and walking it in stages. We did a bit of the NE section, in the general area of the Galleven Mire, last Friday.
I think your website is great and I can understand why you are put out about the “missing link”!

Did your list of perambulators came from Samuel Rowe’s book? I am in the process of trying to find out more about them – Odo de Treverbyn seems to have been the most famous and I am assuming William Brewer was the Bishop of Exeter, but the others are a mystery still – any further pointer welcome!

Keep up the good work!

Best wishes, Mike.

20th January 2008
Hi Tim
Many thanks for the info . What a great web site you have, I have just spent about 3 hours just browsing it and got totally lost for time.
Thanks once again and good hunting , Nick.

5th January 2008
Congratulations on a superb website.... full of interesting history and tales, beautifully illustrated and extremely well laid out. A treasure trove of Dartmoor tales.
Best wishes - Ray Dafter.

2nd January 2008
Dear Mr Sandles,
I've just benn reading your site, in partucular the page about burial chests where you say: 'One feature unique to the Dartmoor kists is that the majority tend to have their lengths orientated on a NE/SW axis, it is estimated that 94% of the known kists conform to this rule. Confusingly this is the exact opposite of that stated by Worth: page 178-9, where he says 'there are eighty three Dartmoor kistvaens for which the direction of length has been accurately ascertained . With very few exceptions values lie between north and west (or between south and east)
Kind regards, Tim John.

Many thanks for your email and for pointing out my mistake with the kist orientation, it should read NW/SE as noted by Jeremy Butler, I have amended the page accordingly.

11th December 2007.
Hi,
I would like to congratulate you on an outstanding website. I only just discovered it today after doing a Google search for the song Tavistock Goosey Fair. I have been singing the song in folk clubs and at festivals around England and in the United States, where I now live, for more than 35 years. It has always been a favourite of mine since I heard Tony Rose sing it at Sidmouth Folk Festival years ago.
I haven't yet had time to study the site in more detail, but I am looking forward to doing so at the first opportunity. I did however do a second search on the site for Grey Wethers. I read the legend of Grey Wethers in a book about Dartmoor in the early '70s, and wrote a song about it. I am attaching the words to the song to this email, and would be delighted if you would publish it on the web site along with the copyright information.
Thanks again for providing such a well researched and informative web site. The World Wide Web exists for sites like this, and there are all too few of them.
Merry Christmas and Best Wishes, Robert Williams.

4th December 2007
Hi Tim,
I’ve just been reading your web page about Keble Martin chapel and the Blessing of our marriage in 1990. Please could you correct the name of my husband which is Derek (not Martin!). For the record we actually met at the Ten Commandments on Buckland Beacon on 2nd May 1988, whilst we were both letterboxing.
We are both still letterboxing and still married! We went back out to the Chapel on our 10th Wedding anniversary and had a short service with Eric Carless officiating again.
Thanks for your attention for the above
Caroline Atchley and Derek Newman.

24th November 2007
Hi, Dartmoorlander:
I am writing a piece for The Field about The Last Grouse -- a roundup of the status of the Red grouse in the outposts of this gamebird in various parts of the British Isles -- and came across your excellent website. Do you have any recent information to add, and can I quote you in the piece (mentioning website)? There is a news piece about my quest for information on the front page of fatbirder.com. Any help much appreciated.
Regards, Yours aye, Willy.

16th November 2007
I can’t help being annoyed at your cheap shot at the organisers of the 10 tors event. In your last paragraph you ask whether the event was cancelled because of the liability risk or the safety risk. Do you mean that the organisers are OK to lose a youngster as long as they are legally covered?
 I can tell you that the event remains as challenging as ever, but from time to time the weather presents a situation where we cannot guarantee a reasonable degree of safety in what will always be an event with a degree of risk, and this year it was clear that the rivers were growing at a very fast rate, so we watched them closely. There came a point where it was clear the rivers were verging on dangerous and there was no sign of them decreasing before the following morning, on the contrary, things were only going to get worse. They were not safe to cross at virtually any point, and before anyone argues that to simply move upstream is an option before crossing, I can tell you that the upstream crossing points were so far upstream that it is highly unlikely that every team would have made a safe decision, and that many teams would try to force an unsafe crossing roughly on their planned routes. As trained soldiers, we were ourselves not happy to cross. Challenge our decision if you like, but even you should doff your hat to the opinions of the Dartmoor Recsue Group, and they were quite clear that the conditions were unsafe and getting worse.
Put yourself in our shoes…you have 2500 youngsters on the moor. Many are very determined and will let nothing get in their way to finish the event. The rivers are dangerously deep and much wider than normal and moving incredibly fast, and conditions are getting worse. Every one of the youngsters is on the south of the moor and the rivers are between them and the finish. The army and the DRG agree that the rivers are unsafe to cross. At what point do you say ‘that’s enough’? We think that point was reached. And river conditions on that Saturday were the worst on the moor all year, much worse than earlier in the year to which you refer. The team leaders from across the country agreed almost to a man (and woman) that the right decision had been made. In short, everyone there that weekend agreed the right decision was made – except of course for the very disappointed kids.
Those of us involved in adventure training know the difference between acceptable risk and stupidity, and you should not confuse the issue by asking, as you do, whether we are merely concerned for our reputations and liability, rather than the overriding importance of bringing every youngster home safely.
Sir – it’s a couple of sentences that offend in an otherwise excellent article and superb site. I would be grateful if you would rephrase.
I am happy to contribute an insight if you wish, and to discuss the issue further.
Richard Frampton Hobbs
Dorset.

15th November 2007
Hi Tim,
Many thanks for getting back so soon. I walked up to Chaw Gully from Challacombe Farm this morning, it was amazing. A round trip of two hours and fascinating history of mining on the way. Busy putting together a play and have found your website a terrific source of information - much appreciated.
Thanks again,
Best wishes, Vanessa.

14th November 2007
Dear Tim,
My name is Janet Palmer - I am a letterboxer and we have met (once I think) at the Meet a couple of years ago. My husband Os is a photographer and for some years we wrote about Dartmoor for the local magazines. We also wrote Let's go Letterboxing - A Beginner's Guide and Dartmoor Cameos. I have today dipped once more into your excellent website and I would like your permission to include the name of your website in a little book I am writing for Alan Brunton (Orchard Publications) on a few of the Dartmoor Tors. It is a book solely for the tourists/visitors naming tors from the major roads and others they can see from short diversions such as onto High Down etc - nothing definitive or academic - just to fill a gap in his market. 
While I'm mailing: your page on Beatrice Chase contains a reference to Dream Tor. One of the characters in my book, Dartmoor Cameos, was Peter Hicks who, as a young man, looked after her in her final years. His father was tenant of Venton Farm which Beatrice left to Peter in her Will and they eventually purchased the cottages and Venton House. He told me during our interviews that he was sure Dream Tor was Top Tor, although I too originally thought it was Wind Tor.
Hope you are well,
Best wishes
Jan Palmer.

14th November 2007
Hi there,
Thanks for a great source of information on Dartmoor - really interesting. Please could you let me know about a reference in the section called "Chaw Gully". There is a reference here to "Gert's floor". Could you let me know what that means?
Many thanks
Vanessa M.

11th November 2007
Hi,
I’ve been looking at your website and it’s looking good! It must take a lot of time to develop and I look forward to seeing it progress.
Regards, Liz.

10th November 2007
I am reading Phil Rickman's latest book and Garway Church is in the story, the pictures on your site are truly wonderful and i now have the church firmly set in my mind, so thank you, i can now see clearly what the characters in the book are looking at.

4th November 2007
Hi,
I read in a book years ago about some cottages near (or in) Chagford that only appeared every ten to twelve years. Apparently people have been inside the cottages and have spoken to the people living in them I haven't been able to find anything else about this - have you come across this? The book was about strange happenings around the world published by Paragon (I think). If you have heard this or know the origins of this story could you please let me know.
Many thanks,
Joanne.

2nd November 2007
Hi, I'm a student at Dartington College of Arts and i am trying to find some info on this play - William Crossing and Florence Eaton's theatre play 'Triumph'. I have tried Plymouth Library and the internet.
Can you help
Best - V. Shearer.

2nd November 2007
I have in my possession a copy of "Tales of the Dartmoor Pixies" dated 1890. It is inscribed Miss Johnson, with the author’s kind regards. Does anyone know who Miss Johnson was, and what was her relationship to Mr Crossing ? Look forward to your reply.
Regards,Tony Larkham.

2nd November 2007
Thanks for your work on the web site. I came across it as I have a family interest. One of my ancestors was Richard Nicholls who at one time was the Police Superintendent at Tavistock and as such I understand he was in charge of the Police enquiry into the Peter Tavy murders. Did Richard pop up in your research into the murders? and if he did can you point me in the direction of any research I could continue with into his part in the investigation.
Yours in anticipation
 Andrew Palmer.

2nd November 2007
Dear Sir:
I just found your website and will stop back later for a deeper look. I was looking up the word "droke" and could find it nowhere but when I put it in alliance with "gully" your site immediately came up! Now, I'm happy about this because my family is said to be from Devonshire originally. We live in Northern Newfoundland and still use some of these words. My grandfather once (he's passed on) and my family back there now still keep sheep and have been keeping sheep for probably as long as we've been there, probably a couple of centuries. And we are surrounded by lakes, wilderness and marshes, just as you seem to be there in Dartmoor. Someday I'd like to get there to visit. It would be interesting to hear the local vernacular and dialect. We have a lot of words that appear to be "olde English", as it were. They still keep November 5th as "Bonfire" or "Guy Fawkes" night back home. Have you ever heard the word "vir" as applied to a fir tree, because many back home pronounce it that way. Anyway, would be great if you could post this in your visitor book. Take care, and thanks for the great reading. Its really intriguing!
Chris Cull, Martha's Vineyard (formerly of Great Brehat, Newfoundland).

24th October 2007
Hi,
I have to say, your site really is a good read! I've just been reading your latest page and there seems to be a section regarding a strange morning ritual, see below,

"The next morning the farmer inspected his bollocks, needless to say they were no better and even worse his plough horse had also been taken ill by some mysterious disease. Enough was enough, the farmer admitted defeat and took himself off to consult with the white witch of the village"

Is this some strange fertility ritual known only to the cognoscenti resident on the moor? Is it something we should all be doing? Should I invest in a plough horse? There's still so much to learn...
Cheers,
Bob

Thanks for spotting the typo which has been duely amended, although, the original version is only following recent health guidelines. If you do get a plough horse I would suggest a mare as having to inspect a stallion's bullocks could prove difficult.

18th October 2007
Hello,
A quick message to say thank you for all the hard work you've put into the Legendary Dartmoor web-site, I read it regularly, please keep up the great work.
Ben.

17th October 2007
Dear Tim,

Many thanks. I shall certainly consider your kind offer about the photographs. When an Editor needs to fill space he either needs good words – or good photos! I will be leaving a message in your Visitors Book to congratulate you on a superb and very user-friendly website but thought I should say that now! It really is the best I have encountered and that’s after trawling the internet many times for information on various subjects for our Magazine and other matters.

Best regards,

Bob Dibben.

17th October 2007
Dear Sirs,

I am the Editor of the Church Magazine for St Mary’s, Boston Spa, West Yorkshire.

Having featured in our Magazine photos of various churches observed while on holiday, including Harberton Church, I was asked by one of our parishioners whether I knew of a clock in Devon with the lettering “My Dear Mother” in place of the more usual Roman numerals? I did not. However, via the local Library and then the inevitable Internet Searches I eventually found your truly excellent website and this completed some of the key detail missing from other reference places I had read or searched.

As it happened, your featured photo of the Clock mechanism in Buckland brought immediately to mind my own examination of our clock mechanism and the similarity was, to coin a phrase “striking”. In fact both clocks were made by the same company, ours being older and by Potts of Leeds which is of course part of the Smith of Derby Group. We have an electric mechanism which turns the cogs, the weights having been discarded when ‘electrification’ took place.

I would very much like to quote in our Magazine a couple of details from your website (no photos will be used) and to acknowledge same in the article when published.

Thus, having given you the background, I request your permission to do so and hope that this will receive your early favourable response.

Yours faithfully, Bob Dibben, Editor.

9th October 2007
I have just had a look at your excellent website. I am especially interested in dartmoor ponies.. My brother has a cottage on dartmoor not far from Postbridge and I often stay there and go for walks and see the ponies. I love these animals. I have some videos of them on Youtube - they are nothing special but some of them have rec'd over a 1000 hits. In your section on the ponies there is a link to The dartmoor Pony Training Centre but it does not work - how can I get to their website? Also I have joined a charity which is helping to conserve the native dartmoor pony which is now on the official list of endangered species. I also belong to social websites such as Myspace and facebook where I often mention and promote dartmoor ponies. I think it is important that this type of pony is preserved. One problem that I have is regarding the ponies being turned into pet food. People say that ' how can the pony be turned into pet food if they are in danger of extinction '. Do you know what the situation is regarding this? Are ponies still being sold for pet food?
If you have time then please answer my questions but if you are too busy then not to worry.
All the best, Pete.

21st September 2007
HI
Lived in Devon all my life. Just discovered Dartmoor can you believe it! Thought it was just Becky falls, Haytor etc. nice drive on a sunny Sunday to show the kids I have just started walking it with passion and loving even minute.
However I am interested in your reference to my name "Luxton Tor" is there one? if so where... being a Luxton I need to look knowledgeable to the rest of the family you understand .... can you help?
Stuart Luxton - Love the site use it for regular reference ... cheers.

13th September 2007
It was nice to read the story and see photos of Jolly Cot. I have a photo of this cottage I am pretty sure, that was sent to my great grandmother in America with a note "do you remember this?" From time to time I have tried to find any reference to it. THANKS!
Sue Ellen Ash in Kansas where my great grandmother settled in later years.

August 31st 2007
Hi there,
I would like to congratulate you on a superb website, I have just ended up "glued" to it after searching info relating to C E Brittan the artist. Being an ex Letterbox addict 1976-1985 (now in rehab but suffering periodic yearnings to spend the day looking under rocks and peat banks) I am still very interested and attached to the moors. This weekend whilst fiddling about in my mum's attic I came across a very old print of "the Walkham valley" by C E Brittan. I am about to clean it up and wondered if you would like a copy of it for your page? Its a lovely view with Gt Mis in the background.I reckon its been in that attic for 70 years or so.
Now I think of it I may of visited your site in the past, looking for info on the liberator crash site, as a colleague at work asked me if I knew of the site in the Okement valley after failing to find it himself. I could remember being there in the early 80s as there was a letterbox nearby, stating USAF Liberator crash site. So earlier this year I took him there and successfully located it, "engine an all". The point to this entry is that the latest dartmoor mag has an article in it about a Wellington bomber and has a photo of what I thought was a liberator? Do you know if there was a Liberator and wellington crash in the same area and what came down at Tigers Marsh? my colleague wants me to take him there next! thanks.
Finally the visitor who was describing what I know of as the Turks head was a few miles out.. this site was always a closely kept secret during the 80s, and in fact the last time I was there, there had certainly been some serious damage to its nose... Don't know if this is still the case?
best regards. Dave Johnson, Broadway, Somerset.

August 29th 2007
Hello Dartmoorlander,
Thanks for mentioning my book Dartmoor Sun on your wonderful website. There is so much to be discovered on Dartmoor. Just to be able to stand and gaze in wonder and let the ancient monuments tell their story is a great privilege.
Best wishes to all who love and conserve the moor,
Jack (Walker).

August 20th 2007
Hi Tim,
Many thanks for your superb website; it's always refreshing to have something new to go and find, or find out about! On this subject, I wonder if you or any visitors to your site could help me with an itch! I've been trying to find the Fairey Battle  crash site on Lower White for ages. So far I've found a few letterboxes, but not the one near the site. Any help would be appreciated before I go mad!
All the best, Paul Fox.

August 15th 2007
Hi,
I have visited your website and have thoroughly enjoyed its pages, I have just moved to Devon and want to start walking on Dartmoor. Having read all about the mists, bogs and streams I am concerned as to what I should carry on a days walk for my safety. Could you please give me a list of the basic items for such a walk.
Regards, Kerry.

August 13th 2007
Hi Tim
I see in your visitors book someone was wanting a grid reference for the Indian head. I'm sure you know its grid by your latest page but here is the GPS incase you wanted it or to pass it onto your reader 57251 71310.
Regards, Andy.

Many thanks for the GPS co-ordinates, I have added them to the relevant page.

August 12th 2007
Hi Dartmoorlander,
As an avid reader of your site I have a question and I'm sure you will be able to help me. I was sat in the Warren House Inn last evening talking "Dartmoor" with some friends and was asked where the "Indians Head" was. I had no idea but apparently it is somewhere in the valley below the Inn and possibly along a leat. It is a set into the wall and resembles an Indians Head. Maybe it isn't an Indian and I have been searching your site this morning but probably haven't entered the correct search terms.
If you can help me and give me an approx grid reference I would be very grateful, I "need" to go and see it for myself! The person I was talking to had only been told about it from a friend so only knew of the rough area and it's quite a big area to go looking blind. If you have any information on it on your site, please would you provide the link to the correct page.
Many thanks for any help "AND" such a great site, I love reading it.
Steve.

August 10th 2007
Tim,
I wondered if you'd mind me pinching part of your Ordulph illustration for one of my homebrew labels (as attached)? They are not for sale, so I won't make any money out of it, it's just a bit of fun. I could put an acknowledgement on somewhere, but my favoured option would be to feature the label on my site, in which case I could link directly to yours.
Finally, many thanks for the inspiring folklore and congratulations on an excellent site.
Much Appreciated, Crispin.

August 8th 2007
Dear Tim
I have included a link to your website in our links page. I think that your website is most informative.
best wishes
Bryan Kell - Secretary Newton Abbot Ramblers.

July 24th 2007
Hi,
My name is Steve Trigger, may I first start off by saying what an excellent web site, well done, very interesting indeed! I spent my child hood in Okehampton and now live here in Ontario Canada.
The reason for my e-mail is that I wasn't sure if you were interested in things that happened on the Moor during the last war, or is it too recent? I have a story that is about an RAF plane that crashed on the moor and my grand father was involved in the rescue of the crew. I do believe the story is already on the web but if I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Thanks, once again, brilliant site!!
Regards - Steve.

14th July 2007
Hello -
I have have a wonderful time on your website. I am fascinated by Dartmoor, and your work is very engaging and informative. Thank you!
I noticed that you have collected place names for the Dartmoor area. I am researching family ancestry for Daniel Wadelsten who lived in Berwick, Maine, USA in the mid 1600's. I believe he may have originated at Waddlestone, Lew Trenchard, Devon.
In the book, Family Names and Their Story, Sabine Baring-Gould noted that he lived in a manor house that was called Waddlestone in the Domesday book. It is now the Lewtrenchard Manor House.
In trying to figure out the name of this place, I have wondered about an interpretation of Waddlestone that might mean "field of stones" with significant and monumental stones being suggested in various name dictionaries.
You seem to have a wonderful familiarity with the place, and I see that you have collected a great deal of knowledge about the area. I am curious if you have any insights in to this place name - particularly if there are any significant stones in the immediate vicinity of the ancient Waddlestone.
Thank you so much for any thoughts that you might share. Your website (and my research) has convinced me to plan a trip!
Good wishes - Carrie.

6th July 2007
Hi I manage a large archive devoted to the Stirling Bomber and have visited your site to find some information on the Stirling crash at Cornwood. While conducting a search it came to my notice that you have no reference to another Stirling crash at Lee Moor and have attached a brief summary of the aircraft details and the crew who all perished.

Crash details of Stirling LK499 1653 Conversion Unit.
The Stirling and crew were on a training exercise when control was lost followed by structural failure at the rear of the fuselage due to the imposition of heavy loads. The site is 1½ miles East of Cadover Bridge, Lee Moor, Devon. All the crew were killed. This Stirling had previously been attached to 149 Squadron flying 16 Ops.

Crew:
F/O N.H. MacDonald. Pilot. RCAF. Age 25. From Fort William, Ontario, Canada. Buried Brookwood Military Cemetery. Grave 55.B.4.

F/O S.K. McGuigan. Nav. RCAF. Age 23. Married to Christel McGuigan of Toronto, Canada.

F/O R.W. Murphy. B/A. RAFVR. Married to K.Murphy. No further details available. Remembered on the Runnymede memorial Panel 208.

Sgt G.J. Canham. W/Op. RAFVR. Age 22. Married to Alice Canham of Muswell Hill, London. Buried Chadwell Heath Cemetery, Dagenham, London. Sec. L. Grave 2008.

Sgt L.W. Bowd. A/G. RAFVR. Age 20. From Ramsy. Buried Ramsey Cemetery. Plot P. Grave 56.

Sgt G.F. Bennett. A/G. RAFVR. Age 19. From Market Drayton. Buried in the South East corner of Christ Church Churchyard, Little Drayton.

Sgt T.W. Hunter. F/Eng. RAFVR. No further details available. Buried Cambusnethan Cemetery. Sec. D. Grave 555.

I would be most interested if any evidence of the crash is found at the site and also of news of any archaeological dig proposed in the future.

Kind regards,

John Reid - Archivist - Photographic Librarian - Stirling Bomber Research Library.

29th June 2007
Just a quick note to thank you for the page on William Crossing at http://www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/will-cross.htm . It seems there were several related Crossing families in Brent around that time and before but they have long since moved (mainly to Australia and the USA, I believe). I found your page while researching my family and will record it, along with other details on the Crossings in Devon.

Kind regards,
Jock Crossing, Sydney, Australia.

31st May 2007
Greetings
Just to let you know that we Bath/Bathe/de Bathes are still around and I, personally, haven't been bothered by the Pixies for quite some time. Both the English and Irish families claim the origin of their surname from the Bathe Pool and the lands that surround it. The "Sir Henry" mentioned in the legend is likely that of Sir Henry de Baa/Bathonia/Bathe who became a senior justice of the King's Bench under Henry III and died in 1261. His tomb monument is in Christchurch Cathedral, Oxford. His brother, Walter, became High Sheriff of Devon from 1236-1251, an unusually long shrievality, doubtless due to the influence of his brother. A Hugo de Bathe is claimed as the progenitor of the Irish family of the same name, having won grants of land, in Dublin and Meath, for his services during the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland (1169-1172). He's claimed, by his descendants, to having been related to Walter and Henry.
The legend errs in saying that the Bathe Pool was destroyed. It's still in existence and when it occasionally fills is still claimed to have the power to foretell the demise of some notable personage. Unfortunately, I'm told that the locals were very disappointed that it did not fill before Diana's tragic death. So much for legends, but then again, my family legend claims that it's supposed to foretell misfortune for a member of the Bath/Bathe family, so perhaps it's still working its magic.
The image of the pool on your site is not at all accurate, but certainly adds atmosphere to the story. In reality it's a circular sinkhole, about 12-15 feet deep and approx. 40 feet across, laying in a field near the river Taw .(I won't mention the name of the town as the current proprietors don't care for unwelcome visitors.). As it occasionally fills, even during dry seasons, probably from a hidden underground stream, it must have appeared to the early Saxons inhabitants as a bath; hence the name. I've read that archaeologists have found evidence of Druid activities in the immediate area, doubtless drawn by the mysterious comings and goings of the water.
You've an enjoyable web site. Lots of fun!
Michael Bath (Canada).

28th May 2007
Having read your chapter on William Crossing, I have to say how pleased I am that you appreciate such a fine person. I have been to his grave on occasions and wished he could be stood next to me so that I could listen to what he has to say. I find him so fascinating and my impression is that he was a wonderful man. Although I now live in Norfolk I will be in Lydford this week at Heathergate, and I will make another trip to Mr Crossing. I talk to Lionel Gloyn at Lydford, He is 90 now, and I sit with him for hours to listen about the old ways of the moor. One day he will be gone and all he knows will go with him. Maybe he should record but years are catching him up.
Thanks for letting me get this off my chest.
Ray Coppin.

24th April 2007
This is a wonderful website, I’m glad I found it. Lots and lots of reading stuff. I visit Dartmoor every year and cannot get enough of it. Now with this website I can really prepare my visit. “You only see what you know” – that’s what my arts teacher told me. I will work my way through your texts and be back with you.
Kind regards
Waltraud M. Gasch (Willstätt, Germany).

18th April 2007
Dear Mr. Sandles,
I just came across your "Legendary Dartmoor" website (through a reference in a Plymouth newspaper, which I found through Lexis-Nexis) and I must compliment you on it. It is both thorough and beautiful, a great labour of love on your part, obviously. I just posted a link to your site to a Sherlock Holmes listserv I am on (The Hounds of the Internet) so you should expect a flurry of hits today and tomorrow.
With admiration, ~ Karen Murdock.

14th April 2007
Dear Dartmoorlander,
There are many set stones on Dartmoor that I believe were erected by the early tin traders to mark routes to various destinations which were mainly coastal and estuary havens. I have been locating and recording these for some years both on and off the moor. Some of these stones, which are not always obvious have been removed by land owners since I began to look for them. If they were part of a complex network of routes by which tin was exported to the bronze smiths of Europe and the Middle East, it is urgent that they should be located, recorded and conserved. I need help with this work. Do you know of anyone with the time and interest that could be of assistance.
Best wishes Roger
B Hutchins.

11th April 2007
Dear Sir,
I came across your site and read with a great interest. I have been interested in Dartmoor since my first visit in '70. I am wondering if you would allow me to translate some of them, particularly stories from "Dartmoor pixies" and "Dartmoor witchcraft" to introduce in Japanese? Because of my poor English, it would take time to put it in shape but I am hoping to make a website about "Pixies and witchcraft in Dartmoor" in Japanese. Of course I will make it clear that the original website (your site) that I use the stories.
Looking forward to hear from you of your favourable reply.
Sincerely, Hongo Hiromi.

6th April 2007
Dear Tim
Having seen your excellent description of Hound Tor I decided to make a detour and go there last Sunday with my wife. I'm afraid we couldn't wait for a crisp Autumn day.
The place is fascinating, and your description and plans of the layout of the village and each building were extremely helpful. Altho' the context is quite different the village reminded me of the medieval village of Cosmeston, just outside Cardiff, which, as you may know, has been reconstructed and attracts many visitors and re-enactment groups.
I have a general interest in abandoned communities. We were in fact on our way to South Devon to visit the village of Hallsands. Having been there, taken photos, and obtained a lot of information, I will now write it up on my website (at www.abandonedcommunities.co.uk). I do not, however, intend to add a section on Hound Tor as it would be difficult to improve on what you have already done.
With best wishes, Stephen Fisk.

25th March 2007
Hi Tim,
I like your forbidden tor page on your site, thanks for the link to us most appreciated. I visited the letterboxers Spring meeting today and got some encouragement from participants. Unfortunately Vixen Tor has never had a stamp because it's enclosed and therefore outside their rules of access. Nonetheless people had certainly visited it over the years.
I don't wish to appear pedantic but I noticed a few small errors in your forbidden tor entry. The January 2005 enquiry classed the land around the tor as farmland not moorland. They did this on the basis of grass percentage of the total flora. The inspectors noted it was a finely balanced decision but nonetheless once made meant the land was no longer classified as open access and could be closed.
Also it's strictly against the ethics of climbing in this country to use pitons or bolts on rock as it disfigures it and makes climbing easy. It's something our European friends do but not Brits (unless it's a man made quarry where you will sometimes see it).
Best wishes, Jim.

24th March 2007
Congratulation on your fine web site.
I wonder if you could please give me the reference of the Account Book in the Record Office mentioning pastys!
All the best. Mike.

21st March 2007
I Loved the site. Went to school for a short time in Widdecombe in about 1946 and here in Canada I remember it fondly. Thanks for the picture and stories. What about High Tor. Will keep watching
Pamela M. Lage.

12th March 2007
Brilliant!!, well done.
After a discussion with my wife about black pudding (she's from Yorkshire but no one is perfect) I decided to look for information about Hogs Pudding ( a favourite of mine, my grandparents used to live in Crediton), I came upon your website and spent at least an hour chuckling under my breath.
Splendid work, keep it up.
 An 'ampshire 'og with Devonshire connections.

8th March 2007
Just to say how much I enjoy visiting your website. It is easy to use, informative and extremely well laid out. Thanks for your time and effort
Jim Bain.

27th February 2007
Hello,
I am a student at the University of Exeter and I am working on developing a website having to do with writers who wrote literature about the southwest of England. Specifically, I am focusing on Eden Phillpotts' Dartmoor Cycle and I came across your website in searching on Widecombe Fair and Widecombe-in-the-Moor in conjunction with old customs, traditions and folklore. In looking at the extensive list of further reading you have provided I was quite happy to see much of the scholarly material that I have come across in my own research. I would love to provide a link to your website on one of my pages, but I wanted to ask about the provenance of the information that you have provided. I think that a link to your website would be a wonderful addition to my own research, so please let me know what you think.
Sincerely, Andi Paul.

Provenance, Provenance - cheap as chips, but I am, "happy", that you too have come across the same scholarly material in your research.

7th February 2007
Dear Dartmoorlander,
I've just discovered your site. We used to live on the moor for about 5 years and it was such a wonderful period.
It's lovely to see someone else who loves it as much as we do, we're coming down to stay in Throwleigh again in March and can't wait.
Loved to read the Hairy Hands story, I well remember one foggy evening travelling towards Plymouth. My husband nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt the Hairy Hands around his neck - OK, I give in, it was me - but it was fun......
Once again, wonderful site, thank you.
LR.

3rd February 2007
Hi, Thank you so much for your site. I came across it quite by accident when looking for Rival Tor and trying to find out if it had ever been called Rippon Tor. My friend and I walked up to Rival Tor last week and in the book I use to plan walks, it was also called Rippon Tor. I have a fairly old ordinance survey map and it is called Rippon Tor on that but also called Ripper Tor on a more modern one, I know there is a Rippon Tor near Haytor, so I am totally confused! Also, there are many stone circles in Fernworthy and they appear to have been catalogued at some time and have numbered posts planted in front. Is there a published list anywhere about them? I was a very keen letter boxer in the 80's, stopped for a long time and have just taken it up again. My enthusiasm has returned with a vengeance and I know I will find your site a great help, thank you again.
Mary.

30th January 2007
Hi, I have just been on your website and I think its brilliant. I am planning on doing the Ten Tors this year and practising with my school team. Already and I'm enjoying it so much and the views are just brilliant. Do you have any tips for me to keep carrying on. Write back. Chantelle.

24th January 2007
Hello, really like your website so just a quickie, am besotted with Harford bridge campsite you can drive in park up and not touch the car for two weeks. Oh, and Peter Tavy inn is not what it used to be! Again fantastic website keep it up .
regards, Lee.

22nd January 2007
Hi...i've just been onto your website and just wanted to let you know that I thought it was excellent. I've been walking the moor for over 20 years now and it's nice to hear from someone who loves it as much as I do. I was last down on the 26th of December. I wanted to do 10 days down there but the winds forced me off after 5 days. I'm down again on the 9th of Feb for 10 days and really can't wait. I tend not to use camp sites as there's the whole of the moor for that!
I was really sorry to hear about your dog and the stile....things like that infuriate me and what these farmers don't realise is that without tourism there industry would not survive.
Anyway, like I said, it was really good to see someone in love with the moor as much, if not more, than I am.
Take care.
Paul Derrick.

7th January 2007
Brilliant site - my father was from Whitchurch Tavistock and he loved dartmoor. I know he would have loved reading your stories. keep up the good work...
regards
P Toye, Harrogate, North Yorks.

2nd January 2007
Dear Dartmoorkeeper -- I have just begun using this extraordinary site, and will enjoy returning to it often. I visited Wistman's Wood and several nearby tors in 1976 while heading over to the Ilfracombe area where my paternal Great Grandparents William Jones and Ann Tucker were born before immigrating to Ontario, Canada. Also my mother's people were the Quaker Mendenhall's of Marridge Hill, Somerset who came to Philadelphia in the 1640s, so my druid ears hear many voices on Dartmoor.
Thank you for your loving care of legendary dartmoor,
Grant Richard Jones.

1st January 2007
Wishing you a very happy and healthy 2007 and a big thank you for producing such a great Web Site. It is a pleasure to behold and a fount of information. Keep up the good work. I believe it is important to learn a thing a day.
Pat Read. aka Jemima!

28th December 2006
Congratulations on a fantastic site - a real eye-opener to all aspects of Dartmoor and the wonderful history of the magical place and the folks who live and have lived there. The time you spend getting a wealth of knowledge with a variation of puzzles and recreation amazes me. Well done and here's hoping you had a peaceful Christmas and with the very best of wishes for 2007.
Di.

26th December 2006
Sirs,
Thank you for your reply to the e-mail sent by my son Trevor. The wording of my son's e-mail is rather abrupt and might be taken as being rude, which I am afraid is his normal big headed manner. As he is now 37yrs old and lives in France I'm afraid there is nothing I can do about it. He's bigger than me anyway.
As long as you don't think badly of me (Peter Smith) personally I'll wish you all a Happy New Year and see you when the sun shines a bit more often.
Regards, Peter Smith.

25th December 2006 - 10.55.59 pm
Get your facts right and/or learn to read a map; the Warren House Inn is at 427m.
P. J. Smith (??).

What charm school did you come from? Looks like you had a lonely Christmas - I know the Warren House Inn is at a height of 427m it says so on the OS map and also here: http://legendarydartmoor.co.uk/remote_inn.htm  If there is another reference then it's a typo - in which case I can only profusely apologise. Amazing the rest of the world didn't notice it at one minute to eleven on Christmas Night - probably all too busy enjoying themselves.

22nd December 2006
I discovered your website few months ago and I find it fantastic, funny, very interesting and such hard work it gives me the desire to visit the Dartmoor which I intend to do next year. I just wanted to wish you merry Christmas, have a great time and the best for the new year.
Berangere ( a French from Scotland).

15th December 2006
Hello,
I just happened upon your site via googling the term "wassailing" and read the "Cyderedup" piece.
I wonder if the purveyors of Dartmoor Looney Juice have expanded into the Swedish market - I have seen similar situations arise in the south of Sweden in the summertime, only the wassacks are generally 4x4 driving Bavarian tourists rather than 4x4 driving Yorkshire folk.
Nice site - Jared Brown.

20th November 2006
Hello Dartmoorlander,
I found your excellent website and hope you can help me. Attached is a photo I took a few years ago of my wife and sister-in-law on Dartmoor, I believe it is at North Hessary Tor. I have recently bought a 35mm film scanner and am slowly digitising my old negatives. When I scanned this one we noticed a very clear face in the rocks which I have highlighted on the photo. It looks rather like a Neanderthal man to me. Is this a known feature on the moor ? I can send a higher resolution photo if you wish.
Thanks and regards, Neil Beattie.

20th November 2006
Hi there! Having been an evacuee to my Granny's farm in Meavy and spending my formative years wandering the moors I love the place - and your site ! Just a not critical comment but - you have a typo error in the Carrington page It would appear that he died 47 years before he was born ?
All the best Pete Joyce - in Thailand!

Said he was a remarkable man - many thanks for pointing out the error, now fixed.

17th November 2006
Hi
Just emailing about your website and how interesting it is! i've been there a few times with scouts and ten tors e.t.c but read some stuff on your site i've never even heard of:)
Thanks and keep up the good work:)
Mike Brookes.

15th November 2006
Hello
Thanks for one of the best sites of Dartmoor on the web. Just to let you know HF holidays will be leading walks along the East Dart passing Snaily House (site of) and I, as the Field officer for Moorlands Hotel (Haytor) am devising the new route through the dreaded gorse, Over 2 weekend trips I have now re opened up a good clear route thro having snapped 1 pair of secateurs.
Best Wishes, Pete.

7th October 2006
Just a quick note to say that I just stumbled across your website, while Googling the Virtuous Lady Mine. Very impressive!
Best wishes, Ian (Acworth).

27th September 2006
I know you believe Dartmoor to be a mysterious place but you have no idea how far that influence reaches. I live in Highland Perthshire and on my marriage, in 1968 I received from my in-laws a watercolour which they had received on their wedding day in the 1940s.
It was purchased in an art shop in Perth, one of a pair (the other was damaged) it was titled On the Moors and was painted by Edward Neatby. My in-laws always assumed it depicted an inn in Perthshire. This picture hung in our living room in three different houses and I always loved it and the way that the road seemed to draw you over the hill. It was joined by its companion in 1985 when my husband had that one reframed .As I hung this second picture on the wall I realised that what everyone had assumed was a clump of trees on the horizon was in fact the inn viewed from the other side of the hill and as I had then just returned from hospital after an operation to remove a cancerous growth to me the view from the other side of the hill was highly significant.
Ten years later on a bus trip to the Plymouth area you can imagine the shock I felt to find myself inside this picture travelling up the hill towards the inn. My husband was horrified as I rushed to the back of the bus in time to see "my" inn disappear into the distance .Needless to say he didn't believe me when I told him what I had just seen. Fate wasn't finished with me that day however. We stopped for tea at a place called-- I think Princetown and in the gift shop there I saw a book of sketches by Richard Blackmore now Im not interested in sketches nor had I any intention of buying the book when I idly flicked a page and there it was Warren House Inn. I bought the book and showed my husband but he still was sceptical until this week when I found your website .My picture although more colourful than yours could have been painted on the same day Neatby has left out the cars and added a small building to the gable end which actually could have been painted out of yours. Could you please tell me the date and artist of your painting? Some day before I'm too old I must return to Dartmoor and visit the Warren house Inn perhaps to get my picture taken beside it.   

June McRobert.

17th September 2006
Just found your web site-congratulations on a brilliant effort. As an ex-letterboxer I found some very interesting bits and pieces that I intend to look at in more detail when time allows. I don't want to appear "picky" - but just one small addition - perhaps you could accredit The Wild Woodman for the Mount Misery rubber cut - I was talking to him this morning and he still has the original in his loft! I well remember the "Cut Hill Mafia" and the battles he had with The Gaffer to see who could do the smallest copy of each others stamps!
Best wishes, John.

24th August 2006
Hi, just thought I'd drop a quick email . . . wow, really nice to see a 'different' site regarding the moors. Even as a kid i have always been fascinated by two different things ; 1- the supernatural. 2- expanses of open land. so i have spent quite a while reading through the different articles on your web-site, especially folklore/ghosts.
My real passion is for camping, and every bank holiday my friends and I can be found traipsing about in search of a new place to pitch for the night. I really don't think there are many places we have not been (although really im sure there are !)
postbridge is normally our starting point, for a quick pint in the hotel and a glance across the map. ( i have yet to experience the 'hairy hands' ) and then off into the middle of nowhere for a day or two. as i manage a mobile phone shop it is pure tranquillity to turn the damn thing off for a couple days and get 'back to basics', anyway I'm waffling so I'll stop ! keep up the good work !
James.

24th August 2006
I like and use your Dartmoor website. However I noticed a silly mistake: The Legend of the Danish Camp. 1st paragraph, 24th line: "Now these women were silly, they knew that the men folk were planning ..." Did you mean to say NOT silly or SLY? By "men folk" do you mean simply men?
Regards, Nick.

24th August 2006
Just visited your site through a Google search and what a site it is! I'm an avid Dartmoor hiker/letterboxer and I just want to say what a pleasure it is! I'm also a web designer hoping to become a Professional Webmaster in a couple of years (long course!). Your layout, information, colours and interactivity is outstanding! If I can ever produce something half as good one day then I will be more than happy! I understand how much hard work goes into designing and maintaining a web site and can obviously see the amount of time, energy and research you have done to provide all of us with a mass of information.
A big well done!
Paul (Dizzy).

23rd August 2006
Just had a nose through your web site - Brilliant! I lived in Okehampton for the first 19 years of my life and I did a lot of walking over the moors in my teenage years. 1960's onwards. Crossing's Guide was always being borrowed from the library. I think you've made a slight mistake with your Pin Tor GR - 755 887 is the approx 6 fig version, yours is west of Lydford Tor!
Thanks for a great web site - I'll have an in-depth look when I've got more time.
Richard.

22nd August 2006
I am a regular walker on the moor, and had never heard of Trellech – the location of the Virtuous Well. I presumed that, as I live in Cornwall and rarely visit the eastern side other than when back-packing, that it must be there. I checked the map reference which I found to be nowhere near Dartmoor, then performed an internet search, only to find Trellech in south Wales!
Still, thanks for a very informative site.
Regards, Phil.

19th August 2006
Caw. I never knawed about this yer. Proper job. You kep'en a purtty good secret, ab'n ee?
Jane Stewer.

9th August 2006
Hello,
I was just reading with great interest the wonderful stories on your website and decided to read the items of Dartmoor news and witchcraft. I have been visiting Dartmoor since i was a child and it is my favourite place in the country. I was very distressed to read about the killing of animals on the moor and even more so to read that people still associate such cruel acts with pagans. Usually these acts are committed by confused individuals who have read a few occult books and are on some sort of power trip. Of course there are good and bad pagans, but usually these types of rituals are associated with satanic worship and Satan is not a recognised deity within paganism. I have been a witch all of my life. I worship and practice usually alone, meeting with other like minded people to share the fun and joy of the festivals of the turning year. I know a lot of pagans and most of them care passionately about the earth, nature and animals. These things are an expression of our lord and lady and we would never harm them. I hope you do not mind me writing to you, but I really wanted to make my point that true pagans and witches do not carry out evil deeds or wish to harm anything. Also, the desecration of sacred and natural sites by fire and leaving litter etc is not an act of a true pagan, but some misguided souls searching for an identity.
Blessings Julie Nr Lands End, Cornwall.

18th July 2006
Thank you for calling into the museum this morning and I hope you got the photos you wanted. Hope also I've got the right web site - if so Ann who you spoke to is right - its tremendous and gives so much information on Dartmoor. I'm really pleased you have a link to the museums site - I tend to get muddled with to and from when it comes to links with web sites and we have been caught a couple of times, which has been costly!. so thank you. I will certainly use your site for information.
Best wishes.
Curator - Okehampton Museum of Dartmoor Life.

1st July 2006
Dear Tim,
We have met - just once- outside Lee Moor Hall at a Meet a couple of years ago; then you were chatting to none other than Chris Kelland (I believe that's who it was). This letter is simply to say that via Di Hall-Say I have found your wonderful website and will no doubt spend many happy hours perusing all the legends and other pages. What a super way to advertise this beautiful moor and what a deal of pleasure you will have brought to everyone who reads it. Are the illustrations on it all letterbox stamps past, present or perhaps future? I love letterboxing but I don't go as far out as I used to although there are more than enough lovely boxes to keep me busy as my WOMB e-mail address book is quite extensive.
Best wishes, Jan.

27th June 2006
I must admit that I really enjoy reading your site, it ranges from deadly serious to laugh out loud funny. Having just taken to Letterboxing (much use of thumbscrews to persuade my chap it is fun and a real challenge), I found your articles on walks and dartmoor history etc very helpful, especially as I have two very eager hounds that seem to have more boxing success than I do! Fortunately they never throw up in the car, but can track the smallest trace of fox poo for miles and love to have a crafty roll when the opportunity arises. I was very sorry to hear about Zeb and have experienced incidents like this in the Isle of Purbeck (before being ethnically cleansed by the second home owners), even though I knew the guy that inspected the footpaths he still didn't act when I quizzed him. I had problems like this last year near the Scorhill stone circle when the farmer dismantled a style and expected my very large 35kg lurcher to magically fly over it - unfortunately he did try to and I spent ages nursing him before he was able to continue. Just wanted to say thanks for the site and keep up the good work.
Sarah.

2nd May 2006.
Dear Dartmoorlander,
I'm sure the Bishop you refer to must be John Bishop, the renowned wall builder that you feature on your site - unfortunately I'm 250 miles from Dartmoor, and have just spent Easter there, but if I was there now I'd probably head for Muddilakes Newtake and hope that those bearings start making sense!
Your website is absolutely superb, incidentally. I've only skimmed the surface but I find it well written, fascinating and excellently designed. I too became a 'Dartmoor expert' through letterboxing but have still learnt much from your WebPages. Many thanks.
Clive.

17th April 2006.
Hi There,
As fellow Dartmoor lovers and letter boxers we are very impressed with your web site, the content, art work and presentation of the site is excellent. We believe some of the graphics would make a great series of letter box stamps. We were wondering if you would allow us to copy some of the graphics from your web site to produce letterbox stamps for a letter box walk in aid of a charity lets say ‘’The Dartmoor Leat restoration’’ or Dartmoor National Parks or a charity of your choosing to be sold at the next letter boxer’s meet in the Autumn. We would site the walk and supply the stamps all at our cost and all proceeds would go to the charity of your choice. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Kind Regards, Barry & Tanya.

13th April 2006.
Hi there
I just wanted to write and say how much I have enjoyed the stories on your site, particularly the piskie stories.  I would really like to know who wrote/collected them as I have been telling them around (I work as a storyteller) and I would like to be able to credit the stories instead of saying, “from the internet.” Hope you can help.
Thanks, Kate.

2nd March 2006
Many thanks for your March letterboxing clue, it has been fun working it out, and has helped to pass the time whilst we are grounded, trying to keep immobile our very best friend, of the canine variety,  as he awaits surgery on a broken cruciate ligament. It would be lovely, were we to solve a future clue,  to actually be able to get out and check our theories. As a total fan of your site, it is obviously a benefit to read your new additions, and to check in as often as possible. You never know what you might see and then understand, Kingcups, dropped cups, arrows and b`s, and mounds distinctly lacking in dead Norsemen suddenly appear before your eyes. Looking forward to April, I think, although perhaps we shall not check the clue until after noon. I wonder if anyone might look for your box at Beardown. !!
Much appreciation, su.

18th February 2006
Hello
Your Dartmoor site is amazing, just how a website should be. It really is a journey to click through it. In fact, it inspired me to stay down in Devon last weekend. I stayed at the Church House Inn in Holne, then explored the moor with a friend the day after. Can you tell me if the Inn has had any hauntings? Maybe it is in your site, but I just haven't found it yet!
Mark.

14th February 2006
I am very impressed with your website Legendary Dartmoor. I am a Voluntary director of the Dartmoor Tourist Association, a group promoting Dartmoor and the businesses on Dartmoor. One of my interests is the DTA's new website www.discoverdartmoor.com . You have kindly added a link to the DTA I was wondering if you would object for us linking to your site ? The DTA working in partnership with the National Park are the organisation who promotes individual accommodation providers on Dartmoor. Would it be possible to highlight that we offer quality accommodation for visitors to Dartmoor who may wish to investigate some of the Legends.
Once again congratulation on a great site.
Kindest Regards.

6th February 2006
Hi
It has been really interesting to see your new letterbox quest on your rather splendid website, and should we get a chance to go out fairly soon, if work allows, we might try for the February box at Lord Mayors Castle, as it would appear that we have had both a Lord Mayor who is called Gayer, as is one called Gurney. Haven't quite tied in the glace de mer, other than it rather sounds alike, but if my theory is wrong then we will have had a walk in one of Dartmoor's most beautiful places.
Love going to your site to see the latest additions, and quite stunning artwork
all the best, Su.

23rd January 2006
Wonderful website! Thought you would be interested in listening to an old time radio program from the '40's concerning Dartmoor. I listen to these programs as a hobby and the "Hairy Hand of Dartmoor" is on of my favorites. Out of curiosity, I searched the net to discover Dartmoor is a real place! I wasn't even sure what a "moor" was before your site! Anyway, if you were interested you can find the program on the net, search "Fear on Four" and you'll get it. Enjoy and thanks for the site.
Gina, New Jersey, USA.

22nd January 2006
Hi Tim
Have just been reading about Golden Dagger. I note that you have mis-spelt Cassiterite. Another point to note - The Dartmoor Tinworking Research Group do not explore underground workings. They never have, and never will because of the costs of Insurance. You may advertise the Plymouth Caving Group or the Devon Mining Club if you so wish as clubs/groups that legally enter underground mine workings.
Under Virtuous Lady Mine - Morwellham not Morwellam. On the point where you blatantly accuse (not by name) me of stripping Virtuous Lady Mine, perhaps you ought to get your facts straight. I never stripped that mine - it was a mineral dealer from Willand who I did not know at that time. There is proof of that, and it is recorded with the local Police. Perhaps you ought to put up a warning that anyone caught entering that mine will be prosecuted by English Nature and the police as it is a well-known bat roost. The mine will be gated this coming spring and both the above mentioned groups will be the point of any access arrangements. Tim - Your website is a credit to you, and I appreciate it, along with the time and effort that you have put into it.
Kindest regards - Dartmoor Chris.

14th January 2006
Tim,
Nice job with that website, lots of interesting stuff on there!! Particularly enjoyed the accounts of the Tavi Badger.....Which in East Cornish folklore has always been known as the Delabole Badger... I got a new book for Christmas...'Dartmoor Sun' Dunno whether you've seen it but it's very similar to your Merrivale page?!
Anyways its got me interested, and I was thinking about having a little explore of the stone circle at the bottom of corn ridge....all I can find written about this one is a little bit in Hemery's where he explains the location but not a lot else. Have you seen any other information about it??
Aside from that do you have a copy of mine & me Dads clues?? I certainly don't have any of yours....except something to do with hen tor warren, are these still sited?? All the best with the website
Adam.

6th January 2006
This is the site I've been waiting for!!! Brilliantly comprehensive and entertaining with many legends and facts that are new on me - which is saying something as I have devoured Dartmoor legends since a very young age.
From one Moorphile to another I salute you! Many thanks
Mel, Plymouth.

6th January 2006
Hi,
It's Ray Young again. Further to my email dated 28 Dec 2005. Since then, I've enjoyed exploring your site and entering many Waypoints in my GPS. I hate being a party pooper, but I have spotted a couple errors which you may want to check. The first one, under the heading of 'The Suit of Cards' concerns the 'Nine Stones'. Entering the grid reference to my Garmin takes me to the Nine Stones south of  Watchet Hill,
not Ryder's Hill, see scan of the OS map below. The second one (this is pure nit picking on my part) concerns 'Dartmoor's Remotest Inn'. You state an altitude of 519m for Moute's Inn, I reckon it should be about 591m, what do you think? Check out the map below. That's all, on the negative side.
On the positive side, it's still a brilliant website and I will continue to have many happy hours on it. Thanks for publishing my first email in the Visitor's Book, (don't worry, I'm not expecting to see this one there).
Regards,Ray
Many thanks Ray, I have corrected the above errors.

1st January 2006
Surfed in on the first day of 2006 - what a delight ! I have been under the spell of "Old Dartymoor" since about 1966 when I was four years old. I have bookmarked your site and will work my way through the 200 pages at leisure.
Keep up the good work.
David. PS I live on the edges of western Dartmoor.

1st January 2006
Surfed in on the first day of 2006 - what a delight ! I have been under the spell of "Old Dartymoor" since about 1966 when I was four years old. I have bookmarked your site and will work my way through the 200 pages at leisure.
Keep up the good work.
David. PS I live on the edges of western Dartmoor.

21st December 2005
I just had to write & congratulate you on such a professional web site, full of interesting anecdotes. In particular am impressed with the Perambulation page & very jealous of the smart route map.
Keep up the good work
Ian.

10th December 2005
Great site, well informed, a plethora of information. I first visited the moor training for my Ten Tors expedition and return as often is possible. From one moor lover to another well done on a great and informative site.
Neil.

2nd December 2005
Hi, ever since my first visit to the Moor as a small boy on a West Country holiday, I have returned many times, my most recent visits have been with my own young family. I believe it to be the most beautiful, mysterious, wild and perfect spot in the UK. Your site reflects all these attributes superbly and then some - well done and thanks. Chris from Norfolk.

28th November 2005
I hope you enjoyed making the website as much as i have enjoyed reading it! I am going on my duke of Edinburgh's expedition in Dartmoor, and am pleased to have found such a ready source of information for our project work. we intend to design our own myths around the antiquities of the moor, so lets just hope that the ghosts approve! thanks once again, and see you on the moor. x

13th November 2005
Hi Dartmoorlander!
Loved your website. You'll finish the Dartmoor Delights won't you? The email link didn't work, so I copied and pasted your address when it came up on the "don't press anything the computer is doing stuff" bar at the bottom of the page. Couldn't get to the Visitors' book at all. I'll know more when I've finished the ECDL. Going to talk about Dartmoor and I finally found all the answers I was looking for on your site e.g. did Drake build the Devonport Leat? What does a bulls eye look like? Loved the apple bit. There's a council run apple orchard somewhere near Plymouth, built to be a bank of the English apples. Idea for Dartmoor Delights - Dartmoor Cattle.
Cheers Monica.

30th October 2005
I just came across your website, and it is certainly an excellent site for anybody interested in Dartmoor myths and legends.I also live on Dartmoor, and think it is a great place to be, and for people to visit.
Having recently taken over www.dartmoor.co.uk , and tried to make it a better site for the Dartmoor visitor, I would like to add a link to your site, as I see you already link to mine. If this is OK, please let me know.
Best wishes, and maybe we will meet someday,
Trevor Carpenter.

30th October 2005
I have been reading your excellent site. I have a great interest in the area as my family comes from Chagford/Ashburton to London and thence to Australia in 1854. I will peruse the rest of the articles with interest
Kind regards Bryan Whiddon Sydney Australia.

18th September 2005
What a find. And what a web-site! I go to Princetown, Dartmoor , every year in February and November with a group of friends. After spending the day on the moors we end up drinking Jail Ale in Princetown and this year i intend to set the nerves on edge with local Ghost-stories. This website has been an excellent aid. Plus a sinister coincidence has had light shed upon it. The Hairy Hands at Postbridge live on. (perhaps) One of our convoy experienced 'erratic steering' whilst driving through Postbridge!!! Spooky. The Web-site is great. Easy to navigate, informative and I love the illustrations/pictures. Great Job.