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The Old Grotto, Dyer's Wood is a scheduled monument situated in Devon on Devonian bedrock comprising limestone, mudstone and calcareous mudstone. The site, which covers 0.02 hectares and lies at grid reference SX 81711 67393, is protected by Historic England under reference 1002555.
The grotto exploits the natural geological conditions of the locality, taking advantage of the limestone formations that underlie Dyer's Wood. Grottoes of this type, typically dating from the 18th or 19th century, were fashioned as ornamental features within estates and gardens, often serving as places of contemplation or retreat. The accessible rock face would have allowed the excavation and embellishment characteristic of such structures.
The monument's survival as a scheduled site reflects its historical and archaeological significance, preserving evidence of changing attitudes towards landscape design and the use of natural features within designed spaces. The Devonian geology that made its creation possible continues to define the site's character and condition today.
The Old Grotto, Dyer's Wood is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002555. View the official record →
The Old Grotto, Dyer's Wood is a scheduled monument situated in Devon on Devonian bedrock comprising limestone, mudstone and calcareous mudstone. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002555.
The Old Grotto, Dyer's Wood is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1002555.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Ruins and buried remains of the medieval great house at Dartington Hall (5.1 km), Berry Pomeroy Castle: a defended residence and Tudor mansion (5.5 km), Two prehistoric hilltop enclosures, a ditch system and four bowl barrows, 300m north of Barton Pines Inn (6.6 km).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 15 strands of The Old Grotto, Dyer's Wood's history, each drawn from the record and mapped to the exact spot:
Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.
The Old Grotto, Dyer's Wood stands on Devonian Rocks (Undifferentiated), bedrock that formed in the Devonian. The rock here is limestone, mudstone and calcareous mudstone.