Brentor Road

Many of the 20th century, pre-war street names in Prince Rock have local connections.

Brentor Road brings to mind the prince of all rocks on Dartmoor, Brent Tor. Rising to a point about 1,100 feet (335 metres) above sea level, Brent Tor is famous for being an impressive conical hill of volcanic rock.

But it is also renowned for the enchanting little (40ft by 14ft) medieval church of St Michael de Rupe on its summit. Visible for miles around, the site was undoubtedly of importance long before the church was built, as walls of an ancient earthwork surround the church. As to the name, both elements have a similar meaning - Brent is a Celtic name for a hill or a high place, and Tor is an Old English term for a rocky hill.

EH 14 November 2000