North Hall

The Lost Medieval Manor

The village of Widecombe developed around the medieval manor house of North Hall. The manor house has long since vanished and the stone from its once impressive buildings has disappeared; perhaps reused around the village. All that remains is a mark on an old map.

To learn more about this lost manor house, archaeologists and volunteers have undertaken several excavations. They have found tantalising glimpses of the past; broken wall foundations, and thousands of fragments of pottery.

Some of the pottery has come from across Europe, including Germany, France, and Spain. The earliest piece of pottery was a French Barrel Costrel- a drinking vessel which dates the building to the 13^th century.

Archaeologists have also revealed that there was a moat around the manor house at least 10m wide and 4m deep; an important and rare discovery for Devon.

The archaeologists would like to thank the landowners for their support in allowing the research to take place.

Interpreting the Clues

A moated manor house and fine pottery from across Europe suggests the owners were wealthy; perhaps they made their money from tin mining and sheep farming, which Dartmoor is famous for. However at some point in the 17^th century their fortunes faded and the once glorious manor house fell into rack and ruin.

So when the first charabancs brought Victorian tourists to Widecombe, they were shown around romantic ruins. But even these traces have disappeared over the intervening years.

For over 20 years Peter Rennells and Widecombe History Group have researched North Hall. More recently, Dartmoor National Park and Moor than meets the eye have helped support several archaeological excavations to uncover what little remains and piece together the story.

Best things to see and do

Although there is no public access to the site of North Hall as it is on private land, there is plenty to see and do around Widecombe.

• Explore the magnificent church and village. Look for clues as to where the stone from the manor house may have gone.
• Download the booklet about North Hall or buy a copy from Widecombe History Group
• Read the Archaeological Report for North Hall
• Follow the Widecombe Village Trail, pick up a leaflet in the village at one of the local businesses. Look for the Welcome to Widecombe window sticker
• Find out more about the Moor than meets the eye project which helped the community to develop the Welcome to Widecombe interpretation

For more information go to the Widecombe History Group website

Discover more of the Dartmoor Story

• Pick up a copy of our Walking around Widecombe walks guide from local businesses or download to explore the area and discover more of the Dartmoor Story. 
• Visit Hound Tor medieval village
• Visit Higher Uppacott Medieval Longhouse