Higher Uppacott Medieval Longhouse

Higher Uppacott Medieval Longhouse well preserved medieval dwelling located near the village of Poundsgate in central Dartmoor, Devon. It is one of the best surviving examples of a medieval longhouse in Britain.

Higher Uppacott history

The medieval longhouse at Higher Uppacott was built in the 14th century. It would have been used as a farmhouse, with animals such as cattle living at one end of it – the ‘Shippon end’, which is lower than the living quarters of the farmers who lived at the other end.

Internal building work and alterations tell the houses’ history. It would have started its use as a dwelling as one long room, probably with a fern and earthen roof. An open fire would have been in the middle of the floor, with smoke drifting up into the thatch (some of which is still blackened). A fireplace and chimney were added in the early 16th century, and upper rooms another century later.

Higher Uppacott today

Higher Uppacott was purchased by the Dartmoor National Park Authority in 1979 and it a Grade I listed building. It has undergone substantial restoration work in recent years, particularly to its thatched roof. Through viewing the interior, it is possible to see signs of its medieval occupation through the centuries up to the present day.

Getting to Higher Uppacott

Higher Uppacott is part of a farm near the village of Poundsgate on the B3357. There is no parking at the farm, but there is parking at either Bel Tor or Poundsgate, which are about 1km to the northwest and southeast respectively. Walking along the main road is not recommended, so Higher Uppacott is best visited on a walk from Bel Tor rather than making a specific visit.