The remarkable historical and archaeological value of the Blackdown Hills is one of the reasons the area is protected. The landscape has been shaped by man, from early hunters to modern farmers.
For a summary of the history of the Blackdown Hills, see section 2 of the Management Plan
The AONB organises an active heritage group and there are many other local groups with an interest in history, heritage and archaeology. For details of these groups, or for further historical enquiries, please contact us.
Parish Chests
This was a heritage project carried out by local people in 1998. They gathered historical material about six parishes: Otterford, Clayhidon, Churchstanton, Yarcombe, Blackborough and Luppitt. This information was put online and can be seen on the Parish Chests website.
Useful links:
Pastscape - National Monuments Record entries for the Blackdown Hills, including Row Barrow, Brown Down Woods, Robin Hood Butts, Broad Down and Dunkeswell Airfield.
English Heritage Viewfinder, Luppitt collection of photographs
English Heritage Viewfinder, Combe Raleigh collection of photographs
Devon Archaeology
Somerset Archaeology and Natural History
Devon County Council's historic environment pages
Somerset County Council's historic environment pages
Devon museums service
Somerset museums service
Devon Record Office
Somersert Historic Environment Record
Archaeology Data Service - Search under 'Blackdown Hills' to show records of excavations in the area
