MEM23938 - Post-Medieval Bank on the Eastern Edge of Burcombe (Monument)

A linear mound approximately 32m long and 5m wide and up to 0.2m high, orientated south-southwest to north-northeast was noted by Cornwall County during a walkover survey of Wester Emmetts and Burcombe. There is no clear indication of any accompanying cut, from which the spoil may have come, but as with nearby features, it is possible that it represents spoil from a relatively early prospecting trench which has sunsequently infilled through silting or peat growth. Alternatively, and perhaps more probabbly, these features may be associated with the nearby Blue Gate Mine, active between c. 1853 and WW1 (MMO602). [1] Another turf bank likely generated by prospecting activity and is the largest of a cluster of three banks, situated east a low mound (MEM23936) was noted during a follow-up walkover survey. This may relate to mining of Iron Ore recorded on Burcombe, but there is a degree of uncertainty of this by the Mires Officer. [2]