Landmark Some miles before reaching home, we see that familiar black topped hill, away to the west. Nearly there, we think – or at least, this is our country now. The landmark, Bampfylde Clump, is actually just a clump of trees – densely planted beeches, mature, but not especially ancient. It’s said that a certain Bampfylde, one Baron Poltimore, established the tautological Round Ring (another of its titles), so that he could look around in all directions over the land he owned. More interesting, is the deep-rooted awareness of this natural high-point, and the celebration of it over the centuries, in various ways – secular and sacred. Certainly, many coming into north Devon – be they resident or visitor – must have raised their eyes to the hills: Round Ring – there it is, Round Ring, as it’s always been, awaiting our arrival. Who knows what lies in, among and under those beech tree roots? Earlier burial places, perhaps even barrows, invisi...