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The River Dart - A Journey by Nick Shepherd - Part II
If you joined me last month, you would have experienced the cascading bubbling waters of the East and West Dart passing along barren moorland before meeting at the well known beauty spot of Dartmeet.

From here, the river now slowly starts to change character as it winds through wooded valleys and meadows before eventually ‘opening out’ at Totnes, where it becomes partially tidal. Often deep and meandering, the River Dart passes in the vicinity of many historic attractions and I have outlined some of the more significant ones in the second part of this article.

JOLLY LANE COT

Approximately 2 miles south of Dartmeet stands the quiet hamlet of Hexworthy with its crossing over the Dart at Huccaby Bridge. Not far from the bridge is Jolly Lane Cot, the last house to be built in a day on Dartmoor. It was the custom that if a man could enclose a piece of land, build a house in a day, and have a fire burning in the hearth by nightfall, the land became his. It is thought that the house was built in June 1835 by farm labourers whilst the owners were away at the Ashburton Fair.

BUCKLAND IN THE MOOR

Buckland in the Moor is a charming village on the banks of the River Dart and is characterised by its chocolate box thatched cottages. Of particular fascination is the clock face on St Peter’s church which instead of bearing roman numerals has the words “My Dear Mother” emblazoned around its circumference.

It was commissioned by the then Lord of the Manor, William Whitley, in tribute to his late mother. It was made by John Smiths and Sons of Derby who were noted for their clocks and chiming bells, having examples of their work in St. Paul’s Cathedral. As you can see I last visited the church in the morning at ‘h’ minutes past ‘y’ (10.25a.m.)!

Continue reading "By the Dart" May 2009 edition...
 
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