The sixteenth event in a series of monthly events taking place in different squares of the Dartmoor 365; the square for the event is chosen at random by raffle at each event. The square pulled out for this month is U11 Hillson's House. The event will start at around 12pm at the given co-ordinates for geo-chat, TB exchanging etc. People are free to come and go as they please. Skittles and I will be there until around 1pm, but depending on the weather/attendees it may go on for longer.
The focus of this square is on the ruinous building of Hillson's House. This building is located on a high point that is shared with Stalldown Barrow and the associated stone row. The story behind this dishevelled building is that a a moorman once found an abandoned child on Stall Moor. He took it home and he and his wife raised the child as their own. Given how they found him they gave him the name 'Hillson'.
When he was grown up Hillson built himself a tiny house, the one seen today, and became something of a hermit. He had learnt the trade of building eight-day clocks, which he was able to make a living off. William Crossing once wrote that a Mr Hillson who lived in Cornwood possessed one of those clocks.
Depending on your parking this may be a lengthy walk from parking, so please wear appropriate clothing for all weathers. Bring waterproofs and wear stout walking boots.