Featured Row – Yardworthy

The double stone row at Yardworthy on Dartmoor is certainly not one of the most spectacular in Great Britain. A recent visit revealed a small mound and four edge set stones mostly hidden by a relatively low grass. This row is a timely reminder that some rows are extremely ephemeral in character.  This one probably took a couple of people less than half an hour to build, but nevertheless despite its unassuming appearance and miniscule proportions it has amazingly survived for thousands of years and provides an insight into a way of life that is long forgotten. Rows composed of tiny stones were probably once common, but inevitably many if not most will have been destroyed or buried. The rare survivals such as this one will be examined more fully next week. In the meantime the updated gazetteer entry for Yardworthy is available here.