MEM22544 - Post-medieval prospecting pit on Deer Park (Monument)

Summary

A probable 19th Century prospecting working was visible during field investigation in 2012.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

A small quarry was noted during a non-intrustive walkover survey of the proposed mire restoration area on Deer Park, undertaken by South West Archaeology as part of the Exmoor Mires Project. This appears to follow a distinct and massive vein of quartz-rich stone; there is a large broken stone at the entrance to the quarry and it is possible that the site was used for prehistoric quarrying, as there is a quartz-rich stone opposite (MEM22565). There is a hint of upcast spoil on the downslope side. [1] This feature is probably a 19th Century prospecting working. The eastern rock face is veined with quartz and contains disseminated iron mineralization, suggesting miners were exploring the extent of a mineralized lode. The larger working on the opposite side of the stream to the north (MMO2950) was probably dug for a similar purpose on the same mineralized zone in the country rock. [2]

Sources/Archives (2)

  • <1> Report: Walls, S. and Morris, B.. 2012. Deer Park, Exmoor: Results of a walkover survey. 26-28, 44.
  • <2> Report: Bray, L.S.. 2013. Archaeological walkover surveys on Deer Park, Exmoor. 10, 12, 13, 16, 18, 27-28.

External Links (0)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • Mires Feature Reference (Monument): EDP12(216)

Map

Location

Grid reference SS 7707 3827 (point)
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 2:35PM

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