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Most of the tourist comings and goings in central Dartmoor is centered on Princetown which is home to the National Parks Main Information Centre. Princetown is a functional place and what it lacks in beauty is more than made up for with the surrounding beauty spots with tumbling brooks and ancient forest.
Princetown owes its growth to the presence of Dartmoor Prison in 1808 it was home to 2500 French prisoners and then American prisoners from the 1812 war. This brought commercial activity to the heart of the moor with weekly markets attracting traders from across the region. Nowadays it houses around 600 prisoners and is recognized as an unpopular penal institution for difficult and awkward prisoners. The Dartmoor Prison Heritage Centre 150 yards from the main prison gate lets you learn about life inside and view escape tools a thought provoking diversion to the surrounding peace and natural beauty of the moors.
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| Picture of Dartmoor Prison near Princetown in Devon | |
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