TINE & BRISTLE

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02.27.24 Exmoor Magic

I’ve been researching genealogy and exploring the places and experiences that my ancestors would have been mired in. One of the places that I feel an atomic connection to is called Zeal Farm. We went once for my grandparents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel with my family in England to see many of the family landmarks, gravestones, churches, and houses. Let’s explore the heritage and atomic history. What did I hear from my grandmother’s womb? 

Zeal Farm, located in Hawkridge, within the Exmoor National Park, is steeped in folklore and legends. While tangible evidence of pixies and supernatural beings may not be readily available, the rich oral history and local narratives provide intriguing glimpses into their existence.

Here are some fascinating points related to legends and folklore in the Exmoor region:

  1. Pixies and the Devil:

    • Tarr Steps: Legend has it that the clapper bridge known as Tarr Steps was built by the devil himself. Seeking respite from the fires of hell, the devil used the bridge as his sun lounger. Locals couldn’t cross the river when the devil was present, but a clever parson negotiated a deal: people could use the bridge when the devil wasn’t around. The reality is that Tarr Steps is an ancient crossing point, claimed to be Britain’s oldest bridge.

    • Mounsey Castle: To construct Tarr Steps, the devil carried stones in his apron. When the strings of his apron broke, the stony construction known as Mounsey Castle emerged. Mounsey Castle, located about 2 miles south of Tarr Steps, is an Iron Age hillfort occupied since around 700 BC. Its impressive stone rampart still stands, forming part of a wider Iron Age landscape.

  2. Place Names and Pixies:

    • Exmoor boasts numerous place names associated with pixies. Examples include Pixie Copse in Bury, Pixie Meadow in Selworthy, Pixie Lane in Minehead, and Pixie Rocks in Challacombe.

  3. Zeal Farm:

    • Zeal Farm, a lovely Exmoor farmhouse on a working farm, offers moorland views. Visitors can observe wild red deer, Exmoor ponies, and even hear the cuckoo in spring. While direct evidence of pixies may not be found at Zeal Farm, the surrounding landscape and folklore contribute to the mystical atmosphere of the area.

Exmoor, with its rugged landscapes and ancient history, is a realm where folklore and the mystical intertwine. Here are some other supernatural beings associated with this enchanting region:

  1. The Beast of Exmoor:

    • A cryptid creature often described as a large, black panther-like cat. Sightings have fueled speculation about its existence, though conclusive evidence remains elusive. Locals share tales of encounters with this elusive beast, adding to Exmoor’s mystique.

  2. The White Lady of Oare:

    • Oare is a remote valley on Exmoor. Legend has it that a beautiful lady dressed in white roams the area. Some say she’s a ghost seeking her lost love, while others believe she’s a guardian spirit. Her ethereal presence adds an air of mystery to the landscape.

  3. The Wisht Hounds:

    • These spectral hounds are said to chase across the moors during stormy nights. Their eerie howls and phantom forms evoke both fear and fascination. Some believe they are harbingers of doom, while others see them as guardians of the wild.

  4. The Piskies (Pixies):

    • We’ve already touched on pixies, but they deserve another mention. These mischievous little folk inhabit the nooks and crannies of Exmoor. They’re known for their pranks, love of dancing, and their affinity for certain locations, like Pixie Copse.

  5. The Exmoor Stag:

    • Not supernatural in the traditional sense, but the majestic red deer stag of Exmoor holds a special place in local lore. Its antlers, silhouetted against the misty moors, evoke a sense of ancient power and connection to the land.

Exmoor’s beauty lies not only in its physical features but also in the stories whispered through generations. Whether you’re exploring its wooded valleys or gazing at the star-studded night sky, the supernatural beings of Exmoor continue to weave their magic. 🌟🌿

In summary, while tangible proof of pixies and supernatural beings near Zeal Farm may be elusive, the stories and legends passed down through generations hint at a deeper connection between the mystical and the everyday on Exmoor.