MDE9888 - Prehistoric stone row below the crest of Cheriton Ridge (Monument)

SS 7517 4379 Stone row. A row of seven stones, of which three are fallen or largely concealed, lies diagonally across the contours on a gentle east slope, just below the crest of Cheriton Ridge. At 397 metres Ordnance Datum, it is situated in coarse moorland grass and heather, with good views to the east. Over Brendon Common and Channon Ball. The underlying strata is of the Hangman Grits series and the monument is composed of sandstone slabs and posts. The row aligned approximately north to south is visible for a length of 27.5 metres with the stones of the central, more complete section apparently set at intervals of between 2.0 and 3.0 metres. The areas between stones A and B and stones F and G were tested by probing but produced inconclusive results. Although the stones are small and difficult to find, the consistent alignment and intervals of all but `A', suggest a deliberately constructed row of prehistoric date. A further table of information on the stones is held in the archive. [1] This site was resurveyed as part of fieldwork in June 2003 and was reclassified as a stone setting or natural surface stones. The stones are all stable. Stones A, B, D, L, T, U and V are 0.05 metres in height. Stones C, J, K and S are flat. Stones E, M and Q are 0.1 metres in height. Stone G is 0.2 metres in height. Stones N and P are both loose. Stone L is buried. Stone F is possibly part of stone E. Stone R has a possible erosion hollow. [3] An attempt to resurvey the site was made in 2012 and it was noted that a rise in peat level had likely decreased the size of the stones, meaning the site was not located. [4] The site at MDE9888 presents a spread of very low stones, with some arranged along a possible stone row, across the level plateau on Cheriton Ridge. The size of the stones is comparable to Whiteladder (MSO6810), with many barely visible above the turf. The condition survey located a small area of 3 stones to the west, and a longer row to the east. Both head north-south. Despite the difficulty in identification at MDE9888, the stones appear to be in a “good” condition. Whilst the vegetation is mostly heather, the remains of dead bracken on site suggests it may be concealed over summer. This puts it at a possible risk from vehicle damage, as off-road vehicles are known to drive up Cheriton Ridge. [5] The site was surveyed as part of an academic research project by Dr Sandy Gerrard in 2018. Surveys were conducted using a prismatic compass and electronic distance device with the plan being generated in the field. [6] It is possible that this feature was mistaken for a hut circle that was recorded in this location on historic mapping (see MDE1263). [7] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [8]