Grimspound
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Grimspound is a late Bronze Age settlement, in an excellent state of preservation, situated on Dartmoor, Devon, in the United Kingdom. The name was first recorded by the Reverend Richard Polwhele in 1797 - it was probably derived from the Anglo Saxon god of war, Grim (more commonly known as Woden, or Odin).
Grimspound is located on a saddle between Hameldown and Hookney Tor, at 450 metres above sea level. 24 stone hut circles have been officially recorded here, although there are probably remains of more within the enclosure which has an area of over 16,000 square metres (four acres). Many of these hut circles feature L-shaped entrance passages.
The site is enclosed by a stone wall, interrupted by a large, paved entrance facing south, uphill towards Hameldown. The wall would have been substantial - in some places its ruins are more than 15 feet (3 m) in thickness. However, the site is of limited value from a defensive point of view, so the assumption is that this was used to keep livestock in, and predators out. On the northern edge of the site is the start of the West Webburn which was the main water source for the settlement.
