A historic piece of Cornish countryside with links to the Knights Templar, smugglers and ancient settlers is going under the virtual hammer.

Blacktor Downs, which makes up part of the ancient Bodmin Moor landscape, will be featured in the next sale by the regional land and property auctioneers, Clive Emson, being held online on Wednesday March 24.

Extending to approximately 47 hectares (116 acres), near St Neot, Liskeard, the ancient lands are close to the Daphne de Maurier’s smugglers’ haunt of Jamaica Inn at Bolventor.

It also includes Black Tor, the site of a significant Bronze Age settlement, where numerous standing stones remain.

The nearby hamlet of Temple includes a 19th Century church built as an exact replica of one which served a Knights Templar community in the 1200s.

Blacktor Downs has a freehold guide price of £50,000 plus and is being advertised towards potential buyers who may be curious of its ancient history.

Falmouth Packet: Black Tor, the site of a significant Bronze Age settlement, where numerous standing stones remain. Picture:PRBlack Tor, the site of a significant Bronze Age settlement, where numerous standing stones remain. Picture:PR

Read Next:

Dave Henwood, senior auctioneer appraiser, said: "This is an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire a substantial and historic piece of Bodmin Moor.

"It is steeped in legend from its Bronze Age settlement which comprised dozens of huts to its links to the Knights Templar.

"This type of property always has great curiosity value but will also appeal to those seeking a major portion of Cornwall’s countryside for recreational and amenity use or even just to relax and soak up the atmosphere."

Clive Emson Auctioneers hold auctions eight times a year and have offices in Essex, Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the West Country.

For more information, visit www.cliveemson.co.uk.