On the original map of the royal forest of Dartmoor : illustrating the perambulation of Henry III., 1240 / by C. Spence Bate.

  • Bate, C. Spence (Charles Spence), 1818-1889.
Date:
[1872]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the original map of the royal forest of Dartmoor : illustrating the perambulation of Henry III., 1240 / by C. Spence Bate. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    probably, are only intended to show that it was built with masonry, the more so as there are a few faint cross lines drawn also. This is represented as a single arched bridge— rising high in the centre. All the bridges on the map are represented much after this plan. It may have been a con- ventional way of drawing a bridge of any kind; but I am inclined to think that this high arch bridge was the then common architectural system, and probably the first improve- ment over the cyclopean form, several of which are still to be seen on the moor. Between the Avon and the Erme (the next succeeding river) are several names recorded in an index painted on the *map. These chiefly refer to the gates leading to the moor, called “Yeats”—a word that Bisdon frequently uses for gate; and is, moreover, the common mode of pronouncing the word among the labouring people in Devonshire. Several of the places mentioned are capable of being re- cognised through the changes that the names have undergone. A. Picke Yeat. This name I cannot identify except with Peake Mill; but the immediate locality does not agree. B. Eston Yeat, now probably Cheston or Laston. C. Wragaton Yet, the letter (a) being crowded out from want of space in the line. This is still called Wrangaton, or, according to the ordnance map, Wrangerton. D. Laye Yeat, now Lee. E. Cantrel Yeat. The two first letters in this name are not quite legible; but this gate is in a central position in relation to the other nine. F. Brodeford Yet, which I cannot determine. G. Fyllam Yeat, now Eilham. H. Stonorde Yeat, now Stowford. I. Harforde Yeat is still the same. K. Owle Yeat, now Owley. The other names mentioned on this tablet are— L. Threberis, now Threebarrows. M. East Glas and N. West Glaas have still the same in name. O. Piles Wode. This is a small wood of scrubby oaks on the banks of the Erme. In this map they are represented as trees surrounded by stakes or piles, as if put there to protect them—a circumstance suggestive of the idea that the trees were planted there and staked round for protection; hence the name Piles-wood, which it still retains. P. Hobajons Cross. This is a very interesting monument. On the map it is drawn as a simple cross, standing upon a