Exmoor
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Exmoor from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Exmoor's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry. Skip this section and go to place by numbers
Ashley Combe Lodge
Porlock
Ashley Combe Lodge, possibly designed by Lady Lovelace, features Arts and Crafts picturesque style with red sandstone, thatched roof, and distinctive archways.
Cow Castle
Exmoor
Cow Castle, a rare slight univallate hillfort in Exmoor, dates from the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age, showcasing strategic adaptation and archaeological significance.
Foundry House
Old Cleeve
Foundry House, built in 1864, features decorative architectural elements including a gabled porch and a male bust.
Bury Castle, an Iron Age defended settlement
Selworthy
Bury Castle, an Iron Age defended settlement, is a well-preserved example with earthen ramparts and a cross-ridge work, indicating its strategic importance in south-western England.
Holwell Castle
Parracombe
Holwell Castle is a well-preserved motte and bailey castle that reveals key insights into Norman military architecture and the feudal system.
Dunster Castle and Gatehouse
Dunster
Dunster Castle, originally built by William de Mohun in the 11th century, features a 13th-century gateway and a 15th-century gatehouse by Sir Hugh Luttrell, with renovations in the 17th and...
Combe Sydenham
Stogumber
Combe Sydenham, a historic manor house, features architectural elements from the late 15th to 19th centuries, including a notable 1580 porch with rich decorative details.
Myrtleberry North Camp, a late prehistoric multiple enclo…
Lynton and Lynmouth
Myrtleberry North Camp is a rare Iron Age multiple enclosure fort in southwest England, significant for studying settlement and livestock management in the late prehistoric period.
Old Burrow
Brendon and Countisbury
Old Burrow is a rare, well-preserved coastal Roman fortlet demonstrating unique military design features, providing insights into Roman military strategy and early occupation in Britain.
Shoulsbarrow Castle (Shaulsbury)
Brayford
Shoulsbarrow Castle, a small multivallate hillfort, features a preserved Bronze Age bowl barrow and provides insights into Iron Age social organization.
Church of St Mary
Luccombe
The Church of St Mary in Luccombe, featuring 14th-century origins, showcases Perpendicular architecture with notable interior elements like carved vine-leaf capitals, a Jacobean pulpit, and...
Martinhoe Castle (Roman signal station)
Martinhoe
Roman signal stations were key components of military observation and defence, utilizing fire and smoke for communication.
Church of St Petrocks
Parracombe
The Church of St Petrocks in Parracombe, featuring 13th-century and later architecture, retains remarkably intact 17th-18th century interior fittings.
Standing stones on eastern edge of Furzehill Common
Lynton and Lynmouth
Exmoor's stone settings, dating from Late Neolithic to Middle Bronze Age, offer rare insights into ceremonial practices, being considered extremely rare and of national archaeological...
Caratacus Stone: an inscribed stone 140m east of Spire Cross
Winsford
The Caratacus Stone is a rare early Christian memorial stone in Somerset, inscribed in Latin to honor a connection to the first-century Celtic hero Caratacus.
Iron Age defended settlement, Furzebury Brake
Minehead Without
The Iron Age defended settlement at Furzebury Brake is a well-preserved example of rare monument types, highlighting the use of fortified settlements in south-western England.
Culbone Church
Oare
Culbone Church, likely pre-Norman, has features from the 13th to 19th centuries, including a spirelet and Norman baluster font, and is famed for being possibly England's smallest complete...
Church of St Mary Magdalene
Exford
The Church of St Mary Magdalene features a 15th-century tower, restored nave and chancel, and elements designed by Sir Ninian Comper. It was formerly known as the Church of St Salvyn.
The White House
Dunster
The White House features a mid-19th century design with three-storeys, rendered frontage, and wood casement windows. It includes a central glazed door with flanking shop windows.
Dovecote 60m north of St George's Church
Dunster
The dovecote near St George's Church, dating from the 16th century, exemplifies historical dovecotes with its restored roof and potence, serving as a cultural link to Dunster's past.
19 and 21, High Street
Dunster
19 and 21 High Street are 17th-century buildings with later modifications, featuring leaded iron casements and distinctive architectural elements.
Gallox Bridge
Dunster
The Dunster multi-span bridge, dating to the medieval period, remains in good condition and serves its original function, reflecting the area's historical landscape.
Pair of Limekilns at NGR St 0166 3684
Treborough
An early 19th-century pair of limekilns at NGR ST 0166 3684, built with local slate, features buttressed walls and stoke holes, partially obscured by ivy.
Priory Church of St George
Dunster
The Priory Church of St George, dating mainly from the 15th century, features a monastic choir from the 13th century and a 15th-century carved oak rood screen.
Deserted medieval village 630m north-west of Clannacombe …
Brendon and Countisbury
The deserted medieval village near Clannacombe Plantation, significant for its archaeological deposits, reflects the settlement patterns and farming economy of medieval England.
Dunster Castle
Carhampton
Dunster Castle, a historic site with rich medieval and later history, is now a National Trust property offering beautiful gardens influenced by Richard Phelps and Anthony Salvin's...
Selworthy War Memorial Cross
Selworthy
First World War memorial, with later additions for the Second World War.
Valley of Rocks Hotel
Lynton and Lynmouth
A late-C19 rebuild of an early-C19 resort hotel, in part to the design of Rowland Plumbe.
The Luttrell Arms Hotel
Dunster
The Luttrell Arms Hotel, a historic building on Dunster High Street, features late medieval elements with 17th to 18th-century alterations, showcasing architectural and historical charm.
4, 6 and 8, Church Street
Dunster
Three 15th-century cottages on Church Street feature slate roofs, leaded casement windows, and original architectural details. Interiors are noted for their interest.
Dovecote
Dunster
Late 16th-century circular dovecote with a conical roof located in Dunster Priory Green. Features include a wooden exit turret and a revolving ladder inside.
Church of St Martin
Elworthy
The Church of St Martin, dating back to the 13th century, features a 17th-century alabaster font, Jacobean pulpit, and C19 restorations, including a pointed chancel arch and plaster vault.
Packhorse Bridge at NGR SS 9051 4691
Selworthy
The Packhorse Bridge in Allerford is a medieval structure, restored over time, made of red sandstone with a two-arch span. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Church of St Mary Magdalene
Brompton Regis
The Church of St Mary Magdalene, originating in the 12th century, features additions from the 15th and 19th centuries, including a crenellated tower and circular Norman font.
Church of St Mary
Brompton Regis
The Church of St Mary features architecture from the 13th century, including a 1625 pulpit and memorials, blending with later restorations and additions.
Withypool Bridge at NGR SS 8452 3545
Withypool and Hawkridge
The Withypool Bridge is a 19th-century stone bridge over the River Barle, restored in 1866 and 1983, listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Church of St Andrew
Withypool and Hawkridge
The Church of St Andrew is a partly medieval parish church with notable tower rebuilding work done in the early 17th century and again in 1902 by W H Farings.
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Search for more listed places in ExmoorExmoor through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Exmoor changes over time. Skip this section and go to aerial photos
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Exmoor
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground. Skip this section and go to archive images
Dunster
Dunster Castle and the village, Dunster, 1930
Dunster
The castle, Dunster, 1972
Lynmouth
Lynmouth Street and environs, Lynmouth, 1930
Lynmouth
Eastern and Western Beaches and Glen Lyn Gorge, Lynmouth, 1950
Dunster
High Street, Dunster, 1972
Dunster
St George's Church and environs, Dunster, 1930
Lynton
The town centre, Lynton, 1930
Dunster
Dunster, 1972
Lynmouth
Lynton, Lynmouth and environs, Lynmouth, 1932
Lynmouth
Lynmouth Street and environs, Lynmouth, 1930
Exmoor in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Exmoor's past. Skip this section and go to stories about heritage
Charles George Harper Collection
West Somerset, Somerset
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A view from the south-west of King's Brompton Farm
John Gay Collection: Rural Life
River Barle, West Somerset, Somerset
Date created: Apr 1953
A view along the Tarr Steps stone clapper bridge over the River Barle in Somerset, which dates from the medieval period, showing people walking on the...
John Gay Collection: Counties
River Barle, West Somerset, Somerset
Date created: 1950s
A view through foliage towards the Tarr Steps stone clapper bridge over the River Barle in Somerset
Alfred Newton and Sons
West Somerset, Somerset
Date created: 1896 - 1920
The churchyard cross at the Church of All Saints
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Watersmeet, North Devon, Devon
Date created: 1900 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW IN THE GARDEN LOOKING TOWARDS THE HOUSE
Charles George Harper Collection
Badgworthy Water, West Somerset, Somerset
Date created: 1892 - 1933
Looking upstream along Badgworthy Water, with hills to either side
John Gay Collection: Rural Life
River Barle, West Somerset, Somerset
Date created: Apr 1953
A view from an elevated position of the Tarr Steps stone clapper bridge over the River Barle in Somerset, which dates from the medieval period,...
John Gay Collection: Counties
River Barle, West Somerset, Somerset
Date created: 1950s
A view through foliage towards the Tarr Steps stone clapper bridge over the River Barle in Somerset
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Rockford, North Devon, Devon
Date created: 1925 - 1945
EXTERIOR VIEW FROM THE TEA GARDEN
John Gay Collection: Rural Life
River Barle, West Somerset, Somerset
Date created: Apr 1953
A view from an elevated position of the Tarr Steps stone clapper bridge over the River Barle in Somerset, showing three people walking on the bridge's...
John Gay Collection: Counties
River Barle, West Somerset, Somerset
Date created: 1950s
A view through foliage to the Tarr Steps stone clapper bridge over the River Barle in Somerset
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Exmoor. Skip this section and go to education
The Timeless Charm of English Market Towns and Halls
Mentions Yarn Market
Discover the history of English market towns and halls, including farmers' markets, Christmas markets, market squares and corn exchanges.
7 Places to Celebrate the National Trust
Mentions Dunster Castle and Gatehouse
The National Trust was founded on 12 January 1895 by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley.
8 Images of a Frosted England
Mentions Iron Age defended settlement called Roborough Castle
Baby, it’s cold outside!
Historic England Reveals its Heritage at Risk Register 2024
Mentions Exmoor
Historic England has today revealed its Heritage at Risk Register 2024. This is a snapshot of the health of England’s historic buildings and places.
Progress for Peatlands
Mentions Exmoor
The historic and natural importance of peatlands with respect to tackling climate change.
Historic England Highlights Captivating Heritage Sites Listed in 2021
Mentions The original C16 house, Courtyard farm buildings at Selworthy Farm, Cow house, calf house and walled yard, 15m south-west of Selworthy Farmhouse
Highlights from over 400 historic places which have been added to or amended on the National Heritage List for England in 2021.
Exmoor's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area. Skip this section and go to grant-aided places
Town Hall, Lee Road, Lynton, Devon
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The town hall cornerstone was laid in 1898. The building was opened by the donor, Sir George Newnes, on the 15 August 1900.
Town Hall, Lee Road, Lynton, Devon
Tomb effigies in St Mary's Church, Nettlecombe, Somerset
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
Recumbant tomb effigies of Sir John Raleigh and his wife Maud in St Mary's Church in Nettlecombe. They date from circa 1350-60.
Tomb effigies in St Mary's Church, Nettlecombe, Somerset
The Smithy, Allerford, Somerset
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This blacksmiths workshop or 'smithy' was built in the mid 19th century. At this time all towns and most villages would have had a blacksmiths.
The Smithy, Allerford, Somerset
The Luttrell Arms Hotel, Dunster, Somerset
Period: Tudor (1485 - 1602)
The Luttrell Arms was once the residence of the abbots of Cleeve. It was built in the late 15th century. It was much altered between 1622-1629.
The Luttrell Arms Hotel, Dunster, Somerset
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The Harbour, Lynmouth, Devon
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
A view of housing along the front taken from the harbour.
The Harbour, Lynmouth, Devon
Tarr Steps, River Barle, Withypool And Hawkridge, Somerset
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
A view from an elevated position of the Tarr Steps stone clapper bridge over the River Barle in Somerset, which dates from the medieval period,...
Tarr Steps, River Barle, Withypool And Hawkridge, Somerset
Rhenish Tower, Lynmouth, Devon
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
A view from the harbourside of a lady standing outside a public house on the front and the Rhenish Tower on the pier.
Rhenish Tower, Lynmouth, Devon
Lynmouth Harbour, Lynmouth, Devon
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
Sailing boats are left high and dry in the harbour at low tide.
Lynmouth Harbour, Lynmouth, Devon
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