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

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]