Houndtor medieval village

The site of the medieval village goes back before Domesday times when it was known as Hundatora. The ruins of the settlement are well preserved (SX 747788). It is well situated with good views over the Lustleigh valley and protected from prevailing winds. The site has probably been occupied over several centuries. It was abandoned around 1350 either because of the deteriorating climate or else the plague. Excavation has revealed about 8 houses and 3 corn drying barns that were built later. The houses vary in size, but in all of them both humans and cattle shared the same space. The houses probably had walls up to 6 feet high and had a thatched roof. Excavations have shown that the entrances had wooden door frames. There was a central hearth with a cooking pit in most houses. One of the houses was a larger one, three were longhouse farms and three were one roomed cottages.

There is a large car park (SX 739792) at Swallerton Gate. Head SE towards Great Hound Tor. From here there is a well trodden path to Greator rocks that goes past the village. There are excellent views from Greator that are popular with romantics.

This is an easy and short walk with a little climbing involved. It is popular with tourists and locals alike. An ideal evening or Sunday afternoon family walk. 

	Great Hound Tor from the car park at Swallerton Gate (SX 739792)
	A closer view of the impressive western ramparts of Hound Tor.
	One of the granite barrels of Hound Tor.
	The walkway up to the "inner citadel" of Hound Tor.
	A strange shaped rock. Does it resemble a dog's head?
	Another view of the dog's head. In the background is the distinctive shape of Easdon Tor.
	The NW view over Lustleigh from Hound Tor. On the right is the slope of Black Hill.
	We approach the remains of the medieval village at SX 747788.
	One of the largest houses of the village. The porch way is substantial. Inside the long room are a few stones that mark where the hearth would have been. There are a number of smaller rooms.
	This could be the "manor house" of the village. In front of the long room is an inner room which was reached by some steps. On the right lies the south facing porch. On the left lie two smaller houses and another porch.
	One of the porchways. Hound Tor is on the horizon.
	Another view of the manor house. Substantial stones mark the porchway. Around lie some smaller houses. Greator rocks lie behind.
	Kilns built into the wall of one of the corn drying barns. As the climate worsened then the corn wouldn't dry naturally and so artificial heating was needed.
	The view towards Hound Tor from Greator (SX 748787).
	Looking over towards Hay tor and the granite quarries from Greator rocks. The wooded valley of the Becka brook lies between.
	Two stacks from Hound Tor.