Exmoor

EXMOOR, an extra-parochial liberty, in the hundred of Williton and Freemanners, W. division of Somerset; containing 163 inhabitants, and comprising 25,000 acres. This was formerly a forest, and it is said that the wood was consumed in some iron-works near Exford; a considerable part has lately been brought into cultivation, and a very large portion has been inclosed by Mr. Knight. In the time of the Druids, the forest was one of the spots where their religious rites were celebrated, and here are several circular intrenchments, which it is supposed were thrown up for that purpose.