Principal Archaeological Landscape: Mansley Combe (19)

Location Mansley Combe is located on south facing slopes below Dunkery Beacon, at the head waters of the river Avill and is bordered on the east side by Bin Combe. Description of Archaeology Mansley Combe is a lobe shaped enclosure from Dunkery Hill, separated from the moorland by a massive beech hedge topped enclosure bank, which is probably of medieval origin. It is semi relict in nature. The enclosure contains relict medieval field systems in the form of strip lynchets. The associated deserted medieval farmstead lies in the centre of the area. The western part contains co-axial prehistoric field systems, overlain by the later medieval fields. The PAL also includes 19th century tree clumps laid out by the Acland family. Principal significance This PAL is one of only a few deserted medieval settlements identified on Exmoor. The combination of well preserved co-axial field systems overlain by relict medieval field systems and an associated settlement makes this area significant.