Guide to Dartmoor Cists
This listing started with the list compiled by C.E.B. Dixon when he took over writing the Barrow Committee reports following the death of R.H. Worth in 1950. It was an attempt to collate the cists listed in all the previous Barrow Committee reports largely compiled by Richard Hansford Worth and others from the Dartmoor Exploration Committee with the addition of a few that had been discovered subsequently. There were 102 cists listed in the 70th Barrow Committee report with cists numbered 103 and 106-109 added in the 72nd and 73rd reports. The original list included Corringdon Ball (26) and Cuckoo Ball (29) which are more properly classified as chambered tombs. The Dixon list was extended to 130 entries by Grinsell in his 1978 Dartmoor Barrows survey (filling the inexplicably skipped numbers 104 & 105 in the process). A number of cists discovered in more recent decades have been added including those listed by Turner in 1990 and a few taken from Butler (1991-7). The Dixon number for records after 130 merely represents the order they have been added to the database.
In total there are over 150 entries in the Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks database which covers all of the known visible cists on Dartmoor with the exception of a few that are very fragmentary. Butler lists 187 cists including the sites of cists that have been removed (Butler Vol. 5 Appendix 5. pp.279-280) and a very comprehensive listing of over 200 cists, or possible cists, can be found on Prehistoric Monuments of Dartmoor. Butler points out that cists are widespread and unknown examples were discovered in 12% of the cairns excavated by the Dartmoor Exploration committee which suggests potentially 100 or more cists remain concealed.
A table of these cists without photos and additional notes is available: Table of Dartmoor Cists
Bibliography & references
Butler, Jeremy, Dartmoor Atlas of Antiquities, vol.1: The East, (1991)
Butler, Jeremy, Dartmoor Atlas of Antiquities, vol.2: The North,(1991)
Butler, Jeremy, Dartmoor Atlas of Antiquities, vol.3: The South-West, (1994)
Butler, Jeremy, Dartmoor Atlas of Antiquities, vol.4: The South-East, (1993)
Butler, Jeremy, Dartmoor Atlas of Antiquities: Vol. 5. - The Second Millennium B.C. (Devon Books, 1997)
Dixon, C.E.B., Seventieth Report on Barrows, T.D.A. Vol. 84 pp.249-253 (1952)
Dixon, C.E.B., Seventy-second Report on Barrows, T.D.A. Vol. 88 pp.222-224 (1956)
Dixon, C.E.B., Seventy-third Report on Barrows, T.D.A. Vol. 90 pp.230-233 (1958)
Grinsell, L.V., Dartmoor Barrows, Devon Archaeological Society Proceedings No. 36 (1978)
Newman, Phil The Field Archaeology of Dartmoor (English Heritage, 2011)
Pettit, Paul. Prehistoric Dartmoor (David & Charles, 1974)
Turner, J.R., Ring Cairns, stone circles and related monuments on Dartmoor, D.A.S.P. No. 48 pp. 27-86 (1990)
Worth, R.H. Worth's Dartmoor (David & Charles, 1971)
Worth, R.H., Nineteenth Report of the Barrow Committee, T.D.A. Vol. 32 pp.46-54 (1900)
External Links & Resources
The NMRs can be searched on the English Heritage Pastscape website. The simplest method is to use a location search and reduce the range to 250m to narrow the results (increase to 500m if site not found). The Megalithic Portal is another great resource for looking up sites. A detailed listing of over 200 cists can be found on the Prehistoric Monuments of Dartmoor website.
Pastscape: National Monuments Records
Prehistoric Monuments of Dartmoor: A List of Dartmoor Cists
Megalithic Portal: Search Page
Legendary Dartmoor: Dartmoor Kistvaens
Listing of some of the Dartmoor Cists
About the Database Listings
Details of archaeological sites used to be kept in the Sites and Monuments Records (SMRs). These are now held in National Monument Records (NMRs) maintained by English Heritage although these in turn are being merged into Historic Environment Records (HERs). The NMRs contains details of the site and will often include field notes, a limited bibliography and other useful information. Another rich source of such information is Bill Radcliffe's Prehistoric Monuments of Dartmoor (PMD) website. The records below were compiled independently from books and journals and then matched to the NMR records and then cross-referenced with any corresponding PMD records to ensure accuracy. Each record has a link to corresponding NMR and PMD records, a link to the location on the Ordnance Survey map, a photo (if available) and a link to relevant coverage on Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks and a link giving a listing of nearby sites. The HER records are not included as they do not yet have much information but they can be looked up via the PMD records. The author would like to thank Bill Radcliffe for the helpful correspondence whilst checking records. See also: Database and Web Search Tools
- NMR = Pastscape National Monument Record
- HER = Historic Environment Record
- PMD = Prehistoric Monuments of Dartmoor Record
- DPD = Discover Prehistoric Dartmoor page number
- Short Name is named used in GPS listings
Default listing is by Dixon list, click here to order instead by: Site Name, OS, Dixon Number
Wigford Down Platform Cairn Circle and Cist
OS Map: SX 54419 64427
HER: MDV2373
Megalithic Portal: 3536
PMD: Wigford Down S.
Alternate name: Wigford Down 1 Platform Cairn Circle and Cist
Short Name: CT:WigfordDown
Butler map: 48.1.1
Grinsell: MEA 7
Turner: E6
DPD: 33
Barrow Report: 12 19
Dimensions (m): 8.5 x 0.6 C
Notes: "A badly disturbed prehistoric cist with displaced cover stone and vestiges of a retaining circle surviving in situ. Only five slabs of the retaining circle survive approximately upright in situ, suggesting the overall diameter of the complete circle was 8.35m. The long slabs of the central cist are also in situ and the chamber measures 1.1m by 0.28m approximately by 0.3m deep. A large, flat, intact cover stone of 1.4m by 1.17m, with a rounded end, is displaced to the south. Some material from the turf covered cairn is still visible, but much disturbed and depleted." Butler Wigford Down 1 - Vol. 3. Map 48.1 (diagram p.80).
Nearby sites: SX 54419 64427
Hentor A Cist
Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks: Dartmoor Site: Guide to the Hentor & Shavercombe Brook Cists
OS Map: SX 59708 65692
HER: MDV3511
Megalithic Portal: 45712
PMD: Hen Tor Warren 5
Alternate name: Hen Tor N.5 Cist
Short Name: CT:Hen Tor N5
Butler map: 49.22.5
Grinsell: SHA 30
DPD: 50
Barrow Report: 52
Dimensions (m): 3.5 x 0.3 C
Notes: The author was unable to locate this cist at SX 59708 65692 on 13/08/17. The HER has ngr SX 5971 6570. The site is clearly difficult to find. The area is dense in bracken and according to Lethbridge the cist is very badly damaged. It is unclear how accurate the grid reference is - although it is quite possible that the problem is simply that it is overgrown and difficult to see. A cist consisting of two sidestones, one of which has fallen outwards, and an irregular shaped coverstone. Lethbridge p.50 Shavercombe Cist D - diagram p.49. Butler Hen Tor 5 (Cairn 5) - Vol. 3. Map 49.22 (general plan of Hen Tor with diagram of cists pp.146-7).
Nearby sites: SX 59708 65692
Deadmans Bottom D Platform Cairn Circle and Cist
Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks: Dartmoor Site: Guide to the Langcombe Brook & Deadman's Bottom Cists
OS Map: SX 6096 6673
HER: MDV5086
Megalithic Portal: 45731
PMD: Deadman's Bottom S 10
Alternate name: Langcombe Brook 10 Platform Cairn Circle and Cist
Short Name: CT:Deadmans D
Butler map: 50.3.10
Grinsell: SHA 10
Turner: E44
DPD: 45
Barrow Report: 53
Dimensions (m): 0.8 x 0.7 C
Notes: "The cairn is 5m in diameter by 0.3m high with a retaining kerb on its northern side. The cist is 0.8m long b 0.7m wide." "Cist (listed as 'D' by Worth) found at Deadman's Bottom Langcombe, by Mr Button. Internal dimensions, length 3 feet 8 inches, width 2 feet. The stones are barely visible above grass level. The cover stone is missing." Lethbridge p.45 Langcombe Cist E - diagram p.43. Butler Langcombe Brook Cairn 10 - Vol. 3. Map 50.3 (pp.148-54 general plan of Langcombe Brook cairns p.151, diagram of Langcombe cists p.153).
Nearby sites: SX 6096 6673
Muddilake Newtake Cist
OS Map: SX 62654 75194
HER: MDV5893
Megalithic Portal: 45745
PMD: Muddilake Newtake
Short Name: CT:Muddilake
Grinsell: LYD 105
Turner: A21
Barrow Report: 58
Dimensions (m): 6.0
Notes: NMR states "A hut circle, not a cairn circle". This is almost certainly not a cist. "The measurements do not conform to those of Prowse but nothing else can be seen in the vicinity. It is most unlikely that these stones represent the remains of a cist, but are a natural occurrence." (see also duplicate HER record 5894 and SiteID=2547). This "cist" entry was listed by Dixon, however, it seems a dubious entry. This is not listed by Butler, the relevant map is Vol. 2. Map 29.9.
Nearby sites: SX 62654 75194
Goldsmiths Cross E.3. Cist
OS Map: SX 61741 70204
HER: MDV6343
Megalithic Portal: 45748
PMD: Goldsmith's Cross
Alternate name: Goldsmiths Cross E.3 Cist
Short Name: CT:GoldsmithE3
Butler map: 64.5.3
Grinsell: LYD 94
DPD: 95
Barrow Report: 58
Dimensions (m): 4.0 x 0.2 C
Notes: "The NW sidestone, 0.8m long by 0.2m wide and the NE endstone 0.6m long, 0.15m wide are the only recognisable cist stones though it is possible that the SW side was formed by the two small slabs still visible and depicted by Worth. There is no coverstone". Lethbridge diagram p.93, photo bottom left p.95. Butler Goldsmith's Cross E.3. - Vol. 4. Map 64.5 (Cairn 3 - diagram p.221).
Nearby sites: SX 61741 70204
Brent Moor House Cist
OS Map: SX 6802 6403
HER: MDV5744
Megalithic Portal: 45754
PMD: Brent Moor House
Short Name: CT:Brent Moor
Grinsell: BRE 3
Barrow Report: 65 66
Notes: "A cist lies on the right bank of the Avon, a short distance above Brent Moor House, about 175 feet below the small stream which flows south of Riders Rings ... The cist, which consists of two end stones and one side stone, stands in a small cairn." Doubtful. (grinsell) "supposed cairn of large stones, enclosing possible cist placed se-nw. The whole area is covered with clitter, and it is possible that the site may be natural. In summer it is under dense bracken. No measurements given." Butler Vol. 4. Map 57.9 (not actually covered in Butler but relevant map). " A Medieval or later tinner's cache situated opposite Woolholes on the west bank of the River Avon. Considered under the Monument Protection Programme by previous Monument Protection Programme Advisor who did not recommend it for scheduling."
Nearby sites: SX 6802 6403
Erme Pound (Near) Cist
OS Map: SX 6392 6551
HER: MDV28585
Megalithic Portal: 45758
PMD: Erme Pound
Short Name: CT:Erme Pound
Grinsell: HAR 2
Turner: D29
Dimensions (m): 3.7 x 0.3 (?)
Notes: "A prehistoric round cairn, 300 metres west of the River Erme in an area of intense peat cutting remains. The cairn has surviving elements of a kerb and a central hollow which may have contained a cist. This probable platform cairn has a diameter of 3.8 metres and is raised above ground by 0.5 metres. The flat-topped mound is surrounded by a closely fitting, though incomplete, kerb of upright slabs, where many of the survivors remain in situ. An elongated hollow across the centre of the cairn may represent a disturbed cist, and a displaced slab within the hollow is the remains of a capstone.". "Noted by Hankin in July 1976, perhaps in a small cairn diameter 3.7m and height 0.3m. It is now filled in and Grinsell failed to locate it, 'it seems never to have been planned if it ever existed.'" This cist was listed by Dixon in 1952 70th Barrow Report (T.D.A Vol 84) with Dixon #96. It is not listed in prior Barrow Reports - and appears towards end of Dixon's list, so presumably discovered/reported late 40s to 1952. Not listed by Butler (area covered in Vol. 4. Map 55). Not listed in Hankin's 'An archaeological check-list for Harford'.
Nearby sites: SX 6392 6551
Langcombe Brook 5 Cist
Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks: Dartmoor Site: Guide to the Langcombe Brook & Deadman's Bottom Cists
OS Map: SX 60878 66421
HER: MDV5129
Megalithic Portal: 45767
PMD: Langcombe Brook 5
Short Name: CT:Langcombe 5
Butler map: 50.3.5
Grinsell: SHA 17
DPD: 46
Dimensions (m): 1.4 x 0.6 C
Notes: "Two end stones and two side stones are in position but the coverstone is missing. The tops of the stones are at ground level Length of N side stone 1.4m, S side stone 1m, W end stone 0.6m, and E end stone 0.5m. Present depth of cist is 0.3m." Lethbridge p.46 Langcombe Cist I - diagram p.43. Butler Langcombe Brook 5 (Cairn 5) - Vol. 3. Map 50.3 (pp.148-54 general plan of Langcombe Brook cairns p.151, diagram of Langcombe cists p.153).
Nearby sites: SX 60878 66421
Thornworthy Corner (N) Cist
OS Map: SX 6612 8547
HER: MDV6183
Megalithic Portal: 45776
PMD: Downhill from Three Boys
Alternate name: Thornworthy Corner N. Cist
Short Name: CT:Thornwort N
Butler map: 36.7
Grinsell: CHA 2
Dimensions (m): 1.8 x ? C?
Notes: "Recorded as a cist by Worth (1932), based on the one remaining stone. 1991 survey thought it more likely the result of stone clearance for the nearby newtake wall" Butler Vol. 2. Map 36.7.
Nearby sites: SX 6612 8547
West Vitifer Cist
OS Map: SX 67574 82806
HER: MDV6615
Megalithic Portal: 34980
PMD: Chagford Common
Short Name: CT:WestVitifer
Butler map: 25.11
Grinsell: CHA 4
Barrow Report: 16
Dimensions (m): 5.5 x 0.3 C
Notes: "Possible location of a Bronze Age cist, although when subject to field investigation in November 2002 the site was not found" "The cairn was partially excavated in 1897 by the Barrow Committee of the Devonshire Association. This working revealed a ring of slabs surrounding a cist which had not been previously examined. In the cist there was a complete Bronze Age beaker together with charcoal but no trace of a burial." Cairn survives, restored urn thought to be in Plymouth museum. See: Sixteenth Barrow Report 1897. Butler Vol. 2. Map 25.11 ( p.32).
Nearby sites: SX 67574 82806
Shoveldown N.W. 5 Cist
Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks: Dartmoor Site: Shovel Down Ceremonial Complex
OS Map: SX 64389 86247
HER: MDV4394
Megalithic Portal: 45782
PMD: Stonetor Hill
Alternate name: Shoveldown N.W.1 Cist
Short Name: CT:Shovel NW5
Butler map: 37.5.1
Butler Vol 5: p.202 & Fig.145
Grinsell: GID 1
Dimensions (m): 4.5 x 0.3 C
Notes: NB. NGR from PMD is SX64398640. "The remains of a Bronze age cairn and cist which form part of a cairn cemetery on Long Ridge, known locally as Langridge, overlooking the valley of the River North Teign. The cairn has a circular mound which measures 5.2 metres in diameter and 0.5 metres high. The cist measures 0.83 metres square by up to 0.47 metres deep. The capstone, which once covered the cist, now lies 0.7 metres NNW of the cist." Butler Shoveldown N.W.1. - Vol. 2. Map 37.5. (diagram Vol. 5. p.202).
Nearby sites: SX 64389 86247
Nattor Down 5 Cist
OS Map: SX 5409 8286
HER: MDV3223
Megalithic Portal: 45784
PMD: Nattor Down 5
Short Name: CT:Nattor 5
Butler map: 32.2.5
Butler Vol 5: p.65 & Fig.43
Grinsell: PET 14
DPD: 12
Dimensions (m): 5.7 x 0.3 C
Notes: "Only the north east sidestone, which is 1.2m long and the north west endstone which is 0.5m long remain in position. The endstone leans slightly inwards. Top of sidestone is 0.4m above ground level. The depth of the kist is unknown. A possible coverstone lies 2.0m due south of the kist. The kistvaen is contained in a turf covered cairn 4.6m in diameter and approx.0.3m high.". Butler Nattor Down 5 - Vol. 2. Map 32.2 (diagram Vol. 5. p.65). 127 Lethbridge pp.11-12, photo and diagram p.12.
Nearby sites: SX 5409 8286
Beardown Farm Cist
OS Map: SX 604 754
HER: MDV5974
Megalithic Portal: 45789
PMD: Beardown Farm
Short Name: CTxBeardown Fm
Grinsell: LYD 46
Notes: The site is believed to have been destroyed many years ago Bray 1879 (included in listing as 130 in Grinsell list). Area is covered in Butler Vol 2 Map 29. "The remains of a cist surrounded by a rough pavement was examined by Mr Bray in September 1832 'two or three minutes walk north east of Beardown House' (at SX 604 754). Three stones of a four foot long cist stood six inches above ground level. A small piece of coarse pottery was found inside."
Nearby sites: SX 604 754
Cator Common Platform Cairn Circle and Cist
OS Map: SX 67112 77513
HER: MDV5987
Megalithic Portal: 45793
PMD: Pizwell Bridge
Alternate name: Pizwell Bridge Platform Cairn Circle and Cist
Short Name: CT:CatorCommon
Butler map: 18.5
Butler Vol 5: p.171 & Fig.110
Grinsell: WID 2
Turner: E10
Dimensions (m): c.5.0 x 0.5
Notes: "Pizwell Bridge cairn of circa 5m diameter by 0.5m high is to be found about 10m below the road in an unusual position near the base of the hill. Three retaining slabs form an arc around one side with another just under the turf. The top of a slab near the centre with a pit alongside might be one side of a cist. ". Butler Pizwell Bridge Vol. 1. Map 18.5 (diagram Vol 5. p.171). Possible central cist.
Nearby sites: SX 67112 77513
Standon Hill Ring Setting Cairn and Cist
OS Map: SX 54739 81371
HER: MDV20155
Megalithic Portal: 45794
PMD: Standon Down
Alternate name: Standon Hill W. Ring Setting Cairn and Cist
Short Name: CT:Standon 1
Butler map: 32.17
Butler Vol 5: p.182 & Fig.124
Grinsell: PET 15
Turner: D15
Dimensions (m): c.5.0 x 0.3 C
Notes: Doubtful cist. "A disturbed cairn measuring 5.2m N to S by 6.0m and standing a maximum of 0.3m high. Eight large upright slabs and boulders, up to 0.6m high, lie on the fringe of the mound to create a substantial retaining circle. There is no evidence to suggest the presence of a cist though is seems likely that the interior of the cairn has been used as a repository for cleared stone. A large number of relatively recent clearance cairns lie in the immediate area." Butler Standon Hill W - Vol. 2. Map 32.17 (diagram Vol. 5. p.182).
Nearby sites: SX 54739 81371
Black Down W. Platform Cairn Circle and Cist
OS Map: SX 57398 91540
HER: MDV61332
Megalithic Portal: 45801
PMD: Black Down
Short Name: CT:BlackDown W
Butler map: 42.6
Butler Vol 5: p.58 & Fig.35
Dimensions (m): 6.5 x 0.6 C
Notes: Not located at SX 57409153 on 28/08/16. Butler SX57389153. NMR SX57469153."The cairn is 6 metres in diameter and 0.7 metres in height. The cist is 0.9 metres long with 2 end stones in the original position. Remains of a kerb are visible around the north west edge of the mound". 1.6km east of Higher Bowden. nb. Not listed by Turner - assigned as "Platform Circle" type cairn due to description in NMR. "A flat-topped cairn". Butler Black Down W. Vol. 2. Map 42.6 (diagram Vol 5. p.58).
Nearby sites: SX 57398 91540
Goldsmiths Cross E.1. Cist
OS Map: SX 61871 70395
HER: MDV61775
Megalithic Portal: 45806
PMD: Fox Tor Mires E.
Alternate name: Goldsmiths Cross E.1 Cist
Short Name: CT:GoldsmithE1
Butler map: 64.5.1
Dimensions (m): 4.5 x 0.2
Notes: "Clear remains of cairn with cist. One side and one end stone of cist are in place. The western side stone may be beneath the turf, but the southern end stone and cover stone are missing. The internal dimensions of the cist are approximately 0.53 x 0.58 x 0.45 meters (1 foot 9 inches x 1 foot 11 inches x 1 foot 6 inches). Immediately around cist there was a backing of comparatively large flat stones.". Butler Goldsmith's Cross E. 1. Vol. 4. Map 64.5 (Cairn 1 - diagram p.221). There is no NMR for this site. There is an HER entry MDV61775 which matches precisely with the OS reference given by Butler. Butler describes: "The mound 0.1m high at best surrounds a slightly wedge-shaped cist of which only the sides, one composed of two stones, and an end are visible. The missing slab is probably buried in place".
Nearby sites: SX 61871 70395
Stonetor Brookhead E. Cist
OS Map: SX 6527 8563
HER: MDV13023
Megalithic Portal: 45807
PMD: Stonetor Brook Head
Alternate name: Stonetor Brookhead E.2 Cist
Short Name: CT:Stonetor E2
Butler map: 37.2.2
Butler Vol 5: p.201 & Fig.144
DPD: 133
Dimensions (m): 1.1 x 0.9 C
Notes: "A mutilated cist situated amongst peat cuttings on the moderate W slope of shovel Down. Only the N endstone, 0.6m long, remains in situ on the edge of a hollow 1.1m N-S by 0.9m and 0.2m deep. An irregular slab 0.15m thick, probably the disturbed coverstone, lies propped up on the endstone. There is no trace of a covering cairn". Lethbridge diagram p.133 and photo top p.133. Butler Vol. 2. Map 37.2 (diagram Vol 5 p.201).
Nearby sites: SX 6527 8563
Hickley Ridge W Cist
OS Map: SX 6659 6203
HER: MDV13283
Megalithic Portal: 45809
PMD: Hickley Ridge W.
Alternate name: Hickley Ridge 3 Cist
Short Name: CT:HickleyW
Butler map: 56.14.4
Butler Vol 5: p.176 & Fig.118
DPD: 84
Dimensions (m): c. 0.84 x 0.8 ? C
Notes: "Cairn and cist on the East side of Brent Fore Hill. The cairn is 6.0m in diameter, merging into the slope of the hill and being about 0.5m high on the downslope side, which has a retaining kerb. There is a central cist of which two parallel slabs remain set on edge at the NW and SE sides. An upright stone 0.9m high is offset from the cist on the NW side." Lethbridge p.84 diagram and photo top left. Butler Hickley Ridge 3 56.14.4 diagram Vol 5 p.176.
Nearby sites: SX 6659 6203
Maiden Hill Cist
OS Map: SX 58831 79380
HER: MDV4216
Megalithic Portal: 45815
PMD: Maiden Hill
Alternate name: Conies Down Summit Cist
Short Name: CT:MaidenHill
Butler map: 30.11
Butler Vol 5: p.158 & Fig.28
Grinsell: LYD 32
DPD: 108
Dimensions (m): 23.0 x 1.0 C?
Notes: Maybe natural rather than a cist. "large turf-covered cairn which has been dug into from its southern edge. No stones are visible in the saucer-shape depression in the centre but a setting of three slabs near the northern edge may be the sides of a cist which contained a secondary burial inserted at a later date into the side of the mound" (Butler). Lethbridge diagram p.107, photo p.108. Butler Vol 2 30.11 p. 77. See very useful notes on Megalithic Portal.
Nearby sites: SX 58831 79380
Great Trowlesworthy Cairn Circle
OS Map: SX 5839 6459
HER: MDV28533
Short Name: CC:Trowles
Butler map: 51.5
Notes: "An incomplete circle of largely recumbent granite boulders on the gently sloping W flank of Lee Moor. The ring measures 9.9m north-south by 9.4m with a gap in the eastern side. The interior lies at the same level as the surrounding ground surface." See Butler Volume 3 pp.162-3, Map 51, Figure 51.6 'Ring of stones' shown to the west of Settlement 'B' at 'Upper Spanish Lake'. Not listed in Butler's cairn listing.
Nearby sites: SX 5839 6459