New book explores history of Exmoor

A new book, offering a unique insight into centuries of life on Exmoor, will be launched at an event at Dulverton Town Hall this week.

Written by Mary Siraut (the VCH County Editor at Somerset County Council) and with a foreword by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Exmoor: the Making of an English Upland, looks at the history of landscape and community, from prehistoric times to present day. The book also explores the patterns of settlement - how were Exmoor’s farms and villages developed or abandoned over time? Who lived here and how did they survive? Hill farming and the wool and cloth industries are at the fore of the story, while the influence of national events such as the Civil War and the effects of nineteenth century enclosure are also considered. The book is beautifully illustrated with new images and reconstruction drawings provided by English Heritage and Anne Leaver, and a series of panels take an in-depth look at topics including Exmoor place names, deserted farmsteads and population and migration.

The book has been produced as part of the Victoria County History’s Heritage Lottery-funded project, England’s Past for Everyone (EPE). The Exmoor project is also supported locally by the Exmoor National Park Authority, North Devon District Council and Somerset County Council and the Exmoor Society. EPE is working with academics and local communities across the country to produce a series of 15 paperback books, an interactive website and learning resources for schools. A fundamental part of the project was the recording of over 30 groups of historic farm buildings by a hard-working group of volunteers led by Anne Todd. During the process the volunteers met a number of farmers who have a deep and intimate knowledge of their farm buildings and it was decided to carry out a small oral history project to capture these precious memories. A school project, led by Hilary Binding in partnership with Cloggs Farm and Dulverton Middle School, looked at the history of farming on Exmoor.

Author Mary Siraut said: “This book would not have been possible without the support of Somerset County Council’s Heritage Service and the assistance of Rob-Wilson North and the staff at Exmoor National Park Authority. The project is also indebted to the many volunteers and farmers who gave their time so generously to make it a success.”

The book will be for sale at National Park Centres and from the on-line shop on the Authority’s website: www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Further resources from the Exmoor project, including images and transcribed documents, can be accessed via our free Explore website www.ExploreEnglandsPast.org.uk/Exmoor

“This book is a fascinating exploration of the difficult, but ultimately beautiful landscape I am proud to call home.”

Sir Ranulph Fiennes