Scorhill Circle

Heritage Site in Devon West Devon

England

Scorhill Circle

Old Boundary Marker called The Longstone, on Shovel Down Parish Boundary Marker on Shovel Down, called the Longstone which is also used as a Parish Boundary Marker. Formerly on the boundary of Chagford, Gidleigh and Lydford, now Chagford, Gidleigh and Dartmoor Forest. Part of a Scheduled Monument details <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1017874" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1017874">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>. Read also <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MDV6149&amp;resourceID=104" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MDV6149&amp;resourceID=104">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.

Milestone Society National ID: DV_DFGICH01pb — Old Boundary Marker called The Longstone, on Shovel Down Credit: T Jenkinson

Scorhill Circle is a prehistoric stone circle located in the county of Devon, England. It is situated on Gidleigh Common, near the village of Gidleigh, in the Dartmoor National Park. The circle is a scheduled ancient monument and is considered one of the most impressive and well-preserved stone circles in the region.

Dating back to the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age period, Scorhill Circle consists of 23 granite stones arranged in a circular formation. The stones vary in size, with the tallest standing at approximately 3 meters high. The circle has a diameter of around 26 meters and is surrounded by a low bank made of earth and stones.

The purpose and meaning of Scorhill Circle remain a mystery, as is the case with many other ancient stone circles. However, it is believed that these circles served as ceremonial or religious sites, possibly used for rituals, burials, or astronomical observations.

Visitors to Scorhill Circle can experience a sense of awe and wonder, as they are transported back in time to an ancient era. The site offers stunning views of the surrounding Dartmoor landscape, with its rugged moorland and rolling hills.

Access to Scorhill Circle is via a footpath, and there is a small parking area nearby. It is advised to wear appropriate footwear, as the ground can be uneven and boggy in places. The site is popular with both locals and tourists, attracting those interested in history, archaeology, and the mysteries of the ancient world.

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Scorhill Circle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.67/-3.903 or Grid Reference SX6587. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old Boundary Marker called The Longstone, on Shovel Down

Parish Boundary Marker on Shovel Down, called the Longstone which is also used as a Parish Boundary Marker. Formerly on the boundary of Chagford, Gidleigh and Lydford, now Chagford, Gidleigh and Dartmoor Forest. Part of a Scheduled Monument details Link

. Read also Link

. Milestone Society National ID: DV_DFGICH01pb

T Jenkinson

Old Boundary Marker near Teigncombe

Parish Boundary Marker on the north side of a minor road 500 metres west of Teigncombe and 10 metres east of the open moor. On the boundary of Gidleigh and Chagford parishes. Inscribed G P, for Gidleigh Parish. Milestone Society National ID: DV_CGBC01pb

T Jenkinson

Scorhill Prehistoric Stone Circle

(Scale 1m) Link

Sandy Gerrard

Will May's House

A well preserved peat cutters shelter (Scale 1m).

Sandy Gerrard

Holy Trinity Church, Gidleigh

The church has Saxon or possibly Norman origins, but was completely rebuilt at the end of the 15th century. It comprises a nave continuous with the chancel which is covered with a waggon shaped roof of Devon oak. The side aisle on the south side is separated from the nave by a three-bay arcade, supported by granite columns. The tower at the west end contains the ring of bells, which are rung from the floor of the church. The rood screen dates from the 15th century and was decorated in 1853 when the images of saints were added along the lower panels. The font is 15th century but had a wooden cover made in 1843 by Charles Finch, the parish clerk. In 1853 John Aggett carved the granite pulpit and lectern. He also carved the reredos in 1868 which was originally installed in Chagford church. In 1863 the rector, Arthur Whipham, divorced his wife on the grounds of her alleged adultery with Philip Rowe, a local farmer's son. They were caught in bed at the rectory by the village bobby.

Mark Percy

Tolmen stone

Water erosion has left a gaping hole in this boulder on the bank of the North Teign River. Among the fanciful tales about the stone is that rheumatism sufferers will be cured by crawling through the hole.

Mark Percy

Scorhill stone circle

This is the best preserved Bronze Age standing stone circle on Dartmoor. The tallest stone marks the setting sun on the summer solstice when viewed from the centre of the ring.

Mark Percy

Scorhill stone circle

This is probably the best preserved Bronze Age standing stone circle on Dartmoor. When viewed from the centre of the ring, the tallest stone marks the setting sun on the summer solstice.

Mark Percy

Clapper bridge over the North Teign River

Mark Percy

The Long Stone on Shovel Down

Mark Percy

Edge of the moor

Mark Percy

Clapper bridge over the North Teign River

Hansjoerg Lipp

Gidleigh church

A typical Dartmoor parish church dedicated to The Holy trinity. the original church was Saxon or Norman but was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries. There is a stream that runs through the churchyard.

Alan Hunt

Wallabrook Bridge

The Wallabrook clapper bridge below Scorhill Down.

Alan Hunt

The Scorhill Stone Circle

The western stones in what is probably the best preserved Bronze Age standing stone circle on Dartmoor. The tall stone, the tallest in the ring, marks the setting sun on the summer solstice when viewed from the centre of the ring.

Alan Hunt