Stone alignment in foreground with standing stone and stone circle beyond. View from the south (Scale 1m).
A single stone row measuring at least 2.97m long, including three small-sized stones situated on a gentle south facing slope with extensive views towards Bodmin Moor. The row is orientated north to south and a restricted view of the sea may be of significance. Excavation in 1895 failed to find any additional socket holes. This row forms part of an impressive ritual complex including six stone rows, nine cairns and a stone circle. There is also a prehistoric settlement in the vicinity.
Location
| England Devon Dartmoor SX 55356 74586 Lat 50.553093 Long -4.0431773 |
Map showing the location of Merrivale 4 stone row.
Simplified plan showing the stone alignments at Merrivale (Source: Butler, Google Earth and fieldwork).
Plan showing Row 4 at Merrivale (Source: Survey at 1:200 by Sandy Gerrard).
Interpretative plan showing Row 4 at Merrivale (Source: Survey at 1:200 by Sandy Gerrard).
Characteristics
| Type: Single | Length: 2.97m |
| No. of stones: 3 | Size of stones: Small only |
| Orientation: 6° | Altitude: 330m |
| Upper end: | Lower end: |
| Straight (Yes or No) : Yes | Sea View: Yes |
| Context: Stone alignments, cairns, cist, stone circle, standing stone, prehistoric settlement and reave | |
| Notes: This row is not aligned upon any of the other archaeological features within the vicinity. | |
Other Information
| Public Access: Yes |
| Land Status: National Park |
| Scheduled Ancient Monument: Yes |
Identification
Category: Plausible. No doubts have been expressed regarding the prehistoric interpretation of this row.
Typology
This stone row is of Type S1. Information on this form of stone row and other rows of this type is available here.
Photographs
View from south east with the tall terminal stone of Row 5 in the background.
View from above and south east.
View from above and north east. Stones in foreground form part of the kerbed cairn.
The row points at the eastern side of the stone circle beyond the large standing stone. View from south (Scale 1m).
Access Information
Car parking is available at SX 55313 75017 or SX 56050 74895. The row is a relatively short walk away from either car park. It is worth having a look at the stone circle a short distance to the north of the row. The row is easiest found by walking towards the large standing stone situated close by.
Online Resources
Megalithic Portal Modern Antiquarian PastScape Historic Environment Record
Prehistoric Monuments of Dartmoor Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks
Other References
Burl, A., 1993, From Carnac to Callanish – The prehistoric rows and avenues of Britain, Ireland and Brittany, Yale University Press, New York and London, pg. 215.
Butler, J., 1994, Dartmoor Atlas of Antiquities – Vol. 3 – The South-West, Devon Books Exeter, pgs. 23-29.
Timeline
VISITED:- 24th March 2013, 20th October 2014, 6th July 2016 and 5th July 2018
FIRST PUBLISHED:- 24th January 2016
LAST UPDATED:- 13th January 2020
The Stone Rows of Great Britain 