Location
The area comprises open south facing slopes below the elevated moorland ridge on which the Chapman Barrows lie. From the northern part of the PAL are expansive views southwards over the Culm Measures of Devon towards Dartmoor and westwards to Lundy Island, Hartland Point and Barnstaple Bay. The southern part of the PAL is more enclosed, lying within a deep combe running down to Holywell Reservoir and the distinctive outcrop of Swincombe Rocks.
Description of Archaeology
The area contains a complete relict farmstead with its entire field system. In character the farm is medieval, but it was probably abandoned in the 19th century and therefore appears exceptionally well preserved. The farm is laid out over south facing slopes, with the farmstead at its eastern edge. An infield lies in the central part of the area, whilst to the west is a former outfield which has subsequently been subdivided into fields. All the field boundaries are prominent earthen banks with a cornditch separating the fields from open moorland to the north.
Principal significance
The completeness and excellent preservation of the ruined farmstead and its relict fields are highly unusual on Exmoor.