MEM22463 - Post-medieval prospecting pit on Spooners (Monument)

Summary

A substantial linear excavation around 20 metres long likely represents a 19th Century mining or prospecting work. Two phases of use are apparent, as a pit has been dug through the upcast material.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

As part of the Exmoor Mires Project, South West Archaeology were contracted to undertake a non-intrustive walkover survey of the proposed mire restoration area on Spooners. One of the features noted was a short mineral exploration trench c. 20 metres long, with a substantial upcast bank on the north side. Two phases of use are likely, as a discrete pit has been dug through the southern upcast bank. [1] The Historic Environment Officer for the Exmoor Mires Project undertook a non-intrustive walkover survey of the proposed mire restoration area on Spooners, which included this site. A substantial linear excavation, c. 20 metres long, with upcast to the north and southwest. This is probably a mining or prospecting work, most likely of 19th Century date, although two phases are apparent as a pit has been dug through the southern upcast material. [2]

Sources/Archives (2)

  • <1> Report: Walls, S. and Morris, B.. 2012. Spooners, Exmoor: Results of a walkover survey. 14-17, 20.
  • <2> Report: Bray, L.S.. 2013. Spooners, Exmoor: Results of Archaeological Walkover Surveys and Post Mire Restoration Monitoring. 10, 15.

External Links (0)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • Mires Feature Reference (Monument): ESP12(3)

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7782 3821 (19m by 25m)
Map sheet SS73NE
Civil Parish EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Mar 17 2021 2:59PM

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