Grimspound

Grimspound

It has been estimated that some 2000 prehistoric sites can be found on Dartmoor. Of these, the most impressive is the Bronze Age settlement of Grimspound. This eerie setting was the model for the prehistoric hut in which Sherlock Holmes spent the night in The Hound of the Baskervilles.

A massive stone wall, some 9 feet thick, encompasses a 4-acre site containing 24 circular huts. Eighteen of these huts were excavated in the late 19th century, and 13 of these were found to have evidence of human habitation. A good guess is that the other huts were used for animals or storage.

The huts are an average of 10 feet in diameter, and the walls would have risen to a height of 3-4 feet and been topped with branches and turf. The hut entrances are oriented towards the south.

It seems likely that the perimeter wall, though very thick, was intended as an animal barrier, and was not used for defensive purposes.

An excellent view of the entire Grimspound site can be had by climbing nearby Hookney Tor.