Follies the focus of new book about moor

A NEW book dedicated to the follies of Dartmoor is being launched at the Highwayman Inn at Sourton on May 14.

'Dartmoor Follies', which records the moor's mad architecture, has been written by local author Philip Knowling and published by Orchard Publication of Chudleigh.

The Highwayman Inn, which features in the book, was chosen for the launch because of its extraordinary decoration which earned it the title of 'Britain's most amazing pub'.

Other eccentric buildings on which the book focuses include the Card House in Ashburton, the Pimple near Tavistock and the hidden gardens at the Rock Nursery, Chudleigh. This is the first time the follies of Dartmoor have been gathered together in one book.

Philip Knowling, who has been writing about follies in Devon Life magazine for more than five years said: 'The book describes nearly two dozen Dartmoor follies such as towers, arches and gazebos, some of which have never been recorded before,' he said.

Buster Jones, who spent 40 years creating the Highwayman Inn, died just before the book was finished.

'We hope that the book, like the Highwayman Inn itself, will celebrate Buster's life and work,' added Mr Knowling.