Ancient Tenements The Ancient Tenements are the oldest surviving farms on Dartmoor , in England . They have been established here since 14th century , and possibly earlier . In Mediæval Britain , grazing rights within the boundaries of the Forest of Dartmoor were strictly limited . However a few settlers were permitted to build farms there , and to release their livestock on surrounding land . These farms became known as the Ancient Tenements , and many still survive today , such as Babeny , Bellever , Brimpts , Brownberry , Dunnabridge , Dury , Hartyland , Hexworthy , Huccaby , Lakehead , Merripit , Pizwell , Prince Hall , Riddon , Runnage , and Sherberton . Many still feature buildings that are of mediæval origins , including elements of their original longhouses : Bellever’s medieval longhouse was demolished only last century when today’s farmhouse was built . Dunnabridge grew to become a cluster of small farms . Several of today’s barns show signs of chimneys - evidence that they were once inhabited . Dury Farm has an ancient fireplace and a flight of granite stairs winding around the chimney stack . Pizwell features a 16th century door and fireplace . Prince Hall ( once known as Prynse Hall ) , is now a hotel and restaurant which stands on the site of the original farm . Riddon ( originally Riddam ) no longer has its original longhouse , although it does feature an ancient granite barn . Sherrill ( often recorded as Sherwell ) is a small hamlet containing a number of farm buildings and cottages . The farm still features its original longhouse , virtually intact , but now used as a barn , with a large porch constructed from slabs of granite . The majority are Grade II listed and some are Grade II* ( particularly important buildings of special interest ) . For centuries , these settlements were isolated from 'civilisation ' - many miles from the nearest villages . And yet the inhabitants were still expected to travel many miles to church each Sunday , over hills and rough terrain . To make matters worse , the parish boundaries often bore little or no relation to the natural geography . However , in 1260 , the Bishop decreed that the dead from Pizwell and neighbouring Babeny , could be taken to Widecombe-in-the-Moor , which was much closer and more accessible . Categories : British archaeology | Dartmoor | Monument types | Archaeological sites in England 