Brent Tor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Brent Tor is a tor on the western edge of Dartmoor, approximately five miles (8 km) north of Tavistock, rising to 1100' (330m) above sea level.
The Tor is surmounted by the Church of St Michael, the parish church of the village of Brentor, which lies below the Tor.
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[edit] Geology
A unique example of an early Carboniferous basaltic volcano, now weathered down.[1]
[edit] History
Around the Tor are (apparently) Iron Age earthworks, the remnants of a Hill fort. Unusually, the fortifications are at the base of the Tor, rather than the summit as is more normal (compare with Brent Knoll in Somerset). Unfortunately, no serious archaeological work has been carried out on the site. However, the northern ramparts in particular are well preserved, displaying a multi-valate pattern characteristic of the Iron-A, or early -B, culture. There are 3 distinct consecutive ramparts in this sector, and traces of internal partitioning.
The Church of St Michel de Rupe ("Saint Michael of the Rock") atop the Tor dates to the 13th century, and measures 15 feet wide and 37 feet long. The tower is 40 feet high and houses three bells.[2] At one point, the Church may have been used as a Beacon tower, used to spread word of enemies seen out to sea (see also Spanish Armada).
The Church has a capacity of approximately forty people. Although there is a newer (19th century) church (Christchurch) in the village, which is used for many services, St Michael's is still used on Christmas Day, Easter Day and for Evensong during the summer.
In 1995 the Church was struck by lightning, which caused extensive damage; but this has since been repaired.
[edit] Legends
There are many legends surrounding Brent Tor. One of the most common is that of the Merchant and the Storm. According to this version, an early medieaval merchant was struck by a storm in Plymouth Sound. As the ship was on the verge of sinking, he swore that he would build a church on the highest piece of land he could see. When the storm duly dissipated, he fulfilled his promise. It is true that Brent Tor can be seen from Plymouth Sound, and it is (apparently) the highest point.
Others involve the Building of the Church. According to one version, the church was originally to be built at the bottom of the Tor, but the Devil threw the stones to the top, so the congregation built it there instead. Another version states the opposite, and adds that St Michael himself eventually defeated the Devil and allowed the church to be completed.[3][4]
