MEM22590 - Post-medieval prospecting trench on The Chains (Monument)

Summary

A probable post-medieval prospecting trench was visible during field investigation in 2012. This is seen as a linear trench with an associated bank.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

A linear mineral exploration trench was noted during a non-intrustive walkover survey of the proposed mire restoration area on The Chains, undertaken by South West Archaeology as part of the Exmoor Mires Project. This feature is c. 10 metres long, the trench is 2.5 metres wide and 1.2 metres deep and the associated bank is 3 metres wide and c. 0.6 metres high, located on the southwest side of the trench. [1] The Historic Environment Officer for the Exmoor Mires Project undertook a non-intrustive walkover survey of the proposed mire restoration area on The Chains, which included this site. Noted was a linear trench 10 metres long, 2.5 metres wide and 1.2 metres deep. An associated bank is present on the southwestern side, measuring 3 metres wide and 0.6 metres in height. This feature is probably a mineral prospecting working. [2] A large scale metric survey of the Pinkworthy (or Pinkery) Pond environs was undertaken by Hazel Riley in 2012 as part of the Exmoor Mires Project. A subrectangular hollow was seen measuring 7 metres long, 1.9 metres wide and 0.5 metres deep; with an associated mound on its south edge measuring 10.5 metres long, 1.8 metres wide and 1 metre high lies to the northwest of Pinkworthy (or Pinkery) Pond. This is a small trial trench, prospecting for ironstone, and dates from the mid-19th Century. [3]

Sources/Archives (3)

  • <1> Report: Walls, S. and Morris, B.. 2012. The Chains, Exmoor: Results of a walkover survey. 16, 23.
  • <2> Report: Bray, L.. The Chains walkover survey.
  • <3> Report: Riley, H.. 2012. Metric survey of Pinkery pond and its environs. 20.

External Links (0)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • Mires Feature Reference (Monument) (The Chains): ECH12(113)
  • Mires Feature Reference (Monument) (The Chains): ECH12(4)

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7228 4240 (13m by 8m)
Map sheet SS74SW
Civil Parish EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (3)

Record last edited

Apr 11 2014 12:43PM

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