Principal Archaeological Landscape: Lanacombe (1)

Authority Exmoor National Park Authority
Date assigned 01 January 2011
Date last amended
Date revoked
Location Apronounced west-east spur defined on its northern side by Hoccombe Water and to the south by Lanacombe. Description of Archaeology Lanacombe contains an exceptional group of prehistoric stone settings distributed in a linear fashion along is south facing slopes. Among them are fragmentary traces of prehistoric field system. Along the spine of the spur are several burial cairns. Recent work by both Dr Mark Gillings (University of Leicester) as well as the Exmoor Mires Project, has demonstrated further complexity in the prehistoric landscape in the form of subsurface features, particularly embryonic field systems and ‘structures’ associated with two of the stone settings. During the nineteenth century attempts to reclaim Lanacombe are evidenced by a regular pattern of shallow drainage ditches at the western end of the PAL. A distinctive rectangular sheepfold known as Buscombe Beeches was probably built in the mid nineteenth century and owes its origins and design to Scottish shepherds who were on Exmoor at that time. Principal significance The grouping of stone settings is relatively unusual on Exmoor but the detailed insights into this landscape resulting from the focus of recent work (e.g. Gillings et al 2010) make it exceptional.

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Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7800 4275 (1595m by 1156m)
Map sheet SS74SE

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