MEM23940 - Post-Medieval prospecting cut on the eastern side of Burcombe (Monument)

Summary

A linear prospecting cut and spoilbank, likely generated by post-medieval prospecting activity.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

A water and vegetation filled linear cut approximately 20m long, aligned north-south was noted by Cornwall Council during a walkover survey of Western Emmetts and Burcombe. It is of a variable width, up to 4.m but mostly narrower. There is a linear spoil dump on the downslope (east) side 3.5 m wide and up to 0.7m high. The spoil heap is cut by an east-west feature, probably a drainage ditch, close to its northern end. Despite the width of the linear cut the presence of spoil suggests that this is not a peat cutting; the limited quantity of spoil, however, indicates a prospecting trench rather than a smallopenwork. It is likely to be of a post-medieval date, probably associated with the nearby Blue Gate Mine, active between c. 1835 and WW1 (MMO602). [1] A linear prospecting cut and spoilbank, situated north of another smaller prospecting cut (MEM23941) 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]

Sources/Archives (2)

  • <1> Report: Kirkham, G. and Taylor, S.. 2012. Burcombe and Wester Emmetts, Exmoor: Archaeological Survey. p7.
  • <2> Report: Bray, L.S.. 2013. Archaeological walkover surveys on Burcombe: May - October, 2012. p12.

External Links (0)

Other Statuses/References

  • Mires Feature Reference (Monument): EBC12(5)

Map

Location

Grid reference SS 7577 3790 (point)
Map sheet SS73NE
Civil Parish EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Oct 12 2021 10:49AM

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