Principal Archaeological Landscape: Great Hill and Honeycombe Hill (12)

Location Great Hill is located on a south facing slope above Chetsford Water. The relict field systems on this area of moorland occupy gentle south facing slopes before they tip into the valley. Honeycombe Hill is located on gentle north west facing slopes above Nutscale Water. At its north east end it includes part of Thurley Combe. The south east side of the PAL is defined by Embercombe Water. Great Hill and Honeycombe Hill are on opposing sides of a valley. Description of Archaeology The area of this PAL contains extensive prehistoric features, including some of the most complete prehistoric field systems on Exmoor. This includes visible field banks, hut platforms, barrows and cairns, as well as a stone row located on Honeycombe Hill. The area is assessed as having high palaeo-environmental potential with deep peat formation. Principal significance This PAL is significant because of the complexity of the early prehistoric archaeology. The extensive nature of the settlement remains is exceptional on Exmoor. Great Hill combines a complete co-axial field system, hut platforms and barrows while prehistoric remains on Honeycombe Hill include Mesolithic flint knapping activity, standing stone monuments, prehistoric fields and an enclosed settlement. One of the hut platforms on Great Hill is waterlogged, increasing its palaeo-environmental potential. Combined these form an exceptional prehistoric landscape.