Havos Kommdu
5th-11th centuries
Transhumance huts like this one are typical of the medieval period and it was likely built at some point during this period.
1992
The Transhumance hut was listed as a Scheduled Monument in December 1992, protecting the site for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
This small hut, hidden in the hills west of Blackcoombe Farm, dates back to the early medieval period, between the 5th and 11th centuries. It was part of a practice called transhumance, where herders moved their animals up onto the moor during the summer months to graze. The hut, now a small circular heap of stone, was once used as shelter by people tending cattle or sheep. It sits near older prehistoric field systems and a large medieval enclosure, part of the wide and complex archaeological landscape of Bodmin Moor.
Blackcoombe Farm Transhumance Hut was part of Cornwall National Landscape’s A Monumental Improvement Project, which aimed to ensure that 40 scheduled monuments across Cornwall National Landscape were better protected, identified and enjoyed by a wider range of people. Between 2022 – 2025, the Project delivered conservation repairs, installed new heritage interpretation signage, ran a range of community volunteering events and developed new website resources. The Project was primarily funded thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with support from our other partners – Cornwall Council, Historic England, The National Trust, Cornwall Heritage Trust and Cornwall Archaeological Society.
Though the hut is only a few metres wide, it’s part of a much bigger picture of human occupation and use of the Moor. The site demonstrates a shift in settlement patterns where seasonal herding became more socially organised and left behind distinct structures. Unlike earlier, more permanent dwellings, transhumance huts were usually temporary seasonal shelters, but their construction in stone shows a commitment to annual grazing regimes and the importance of upland grazing to local economies and social organisation.
With over 250 transhumance huts known about in the UK, and at least 50 on Bodmin Moor, they form a key part of our understanding of medieval farming and the practices. This example is especially significant because it remains fairly undisturbed, preserving much of its original form and possible archaeological deposits. It offers archaeologists an important piece of the puzzle of how people managed livestock, moved through the landscape, and adapted to seasonal cycles in a challenging but resource-rich environment.
The hut also helps us understand how people used the landscape around them. It lies in an area full of archaeological interest, surrounded by prehistoric and medieval remains. That mixture of features from different time periods is testament to the way that Bodmin Moor has been a working landscape for thousands of years.
Looking after the site today is important, not just to protect what’s left, but to make sure this tiny site doesn’t get lost beneath the bracken and gorse.
Gallery
The hut may be small, but it’s packed with clues about the past. It sits among ancient field systems and medieval enclosures, creating a rich landscape of overlapping history.
The area around the hut is home to short moorland grasses, dense gorse and bracken and it’s mostly grazed by sheep.
Visitors can help by sticking to paths, avoiding trampling on the delicate ruins and taking care not to disturb the wildlife or vegetation.
The main challenge at this tiny site is that thick bracken and fast-spreading gorse can quickly hide or damage the fragile stone remains, making them hard to find and easy to lose. Because the hut is so small and in an isolated spot, it’s often overlooked so caring for it means regular checks, careful vegetation control and raising awareness of its quiet importance in the landscape.
Blackcoombe Farm Transhumance Hut becomes Havos Kommdu in Cornish.
It means havos – summer pasture and kommdu – black combe.
When enjoying the countryside, it’s important to follow the Countryside Code to protect nature and preserve its beauty for everyone. This includes simple, respectful actions like not littering always take your rubbish home or dispose of it properly in bins. Stick to designated paths to avoid damaging crops or wildlife habitats, and keep gates and property as you find them, whether open or closed. Be mindful of livestock and wildlife by keeping dogs under control and not disturbing animals. By following these guidelines, you contribute to the protection of the environment and ensure that others can enjoy the countryside as well.
The site is on open moorland with no marked paths, making access tricky and best suited to confident walkers familiar with rough, uneven ground.
There are no visitor facilities at the site, so it’s best to come prepared and plan ahead.
There’s no dedicated parking for the site, but limited roadside parking may be found nearby please park considerately and avoid blocking gateways or lanes.
You can play a part in preserving Cornwall National Landscape’s beauty and history for future generations. Volunteering opportunities range from helping with conservation efforts to assisting with educational programmes and community events. Whether you have a passion for nature, history, or simply love the outdoors, there’s a way for you to contribute. Join us and make a difference while connecting with others who share your enthusiasm for Cornwall’s heritage. Scroll down and follow the links to our Volunteering Hub to find out more!
Cornwall National Landscape is a non-profit organisation that conserves the unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Cornwall. Volunteering for the protected landscape provides a rewarding experience of giving back to the community and preserving the Cornwall's natural beauty.
Discover a wealth of knowledge in our Resources section, where you can download detailed research documents, reports, and source material compiled by our archaeology team to enhance your understanding of the site.
