Peter Caton’s latest book, My Father’s Dartmoor, a tribute to his father, has recently been published. It includes references to over 100 D365 items. 

The book is a celebration of Peter’s father’s sixty years of  Dartmoor walking and campaigning, adding to the historical record of the National Park and completing a book that his father was unable to finish. Produced in full colour and illustrated with over 200 Dartmoor photographs. 

Part One starts with five chapters written by Peter’s father describing walks in the 1950s & 60s. Further chapters describe some of his walks in all weathers, with members of the family, and with the Dartmoor Preservation Association. 

Part Two contains photographs going back to 1954, some of which are compared with recent pictures. One chapter shows photographs from Dartmoor railways taken in the 1950s, including the famous Princetown branch line. 

Part Three is based around Peter’s father’s Dartmoor documents, including letters from Hansford Worth and Hemery, and is supported by investigations into some of the buildings and artefacts mentioned. Based on his 1958 photograph, the history of a remote Dartmoor farmhouse is researched, questioning previously published information. 

The final chapter looks at changes observed on Dartmoor in the last sixty years. 

Available from independent bookshops around the moor, DNPA visitor centres at Postbridge & Haytor (from 7th March) and post free from https://www.swanbooks.co.uk/peter-caton

Whilst bored in a McDonalds I invented a game on my phone using the ‘Dartefacts Grid Reference Finder‘. Click the link and use your finger to try and get a ‘Clicked Point’ NGR as close as possible to the ‘Map Centre’ NGR. See how many turns you need – but aim to get the four-figure NGR in three goes if you can! I call it ‘DarteClick’.. Try it, it’s fun!

‘Dartefacts Grid Reference Finder‘

A new Dartmoor book By Emma Cunis.

Inside every seemingly strange story of giants, pixies, witches, dragons and big black hounds with fiery eyes, there is often a small kernel of truth.

What are the real histories or possible origins and inspirations behind the Devil at Widecombe Church, ‘Hairy Hands’, ‘Faithless Wives and Fickle Maidens of Chagford’, The Hound of the Baskervilles, Drizzlecombe Dragon, Bowerman’s Nose, Jay’s Grave – and more?

Journey across Dartmoor through its myths and legends to discover how this extraordinary living, working landscape has inspired the imagination and commanded respect from its inhabitants for around 12,000 years.

We are shaped by the land we live on and within. Consider how these stories and characters may have governed life in rural communities in the past but may also have relevance today, when so many of us are seeking a sense of belonging, understanding and (re)connection. And what are the new stories and archetypes that need to be listened to and shared?

CLICK HERE to purchase through Emma’s Website ‘Dartmoor’s Daughter’.

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The Dartmoor Database: Access the most comprehensive database of Dartmoor ever created!

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Letterbox Clue Sheet: Ten North Dartmoor stamps – coming soon

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In return your subscription fee allows Dartefacts to be sustained and have further features developed. Thank you for your support.

Rob Naylor (owner of Dartefacts – The Dartmoor Database)

Photo: Peter Brooks – Moor and More Images