MEM24553 - 19th Century viewpoint in Yearnor Woods (Monument)

Summary

A viewpoint is situated where the path from Ashley Combe turns sharply to the southwest to make the descent into Culbone. It was surveyed in 2017-8. It likely dates to the 1840s.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

SS 8448148346. A viewpoint is located on a path between Ashley Combe and Culbone Church, where the drive turns sharply to the SW to make the descent into Culbone. A flat topped mound, 8.2 metres long, 3.3 metres wide and up to 1.3 metres high, has a yew tree and a strawberry tree growing on it. A retaining drystone wall lies on the south side of the platform. The other side of the drive has a retaining wall and the drive has the effect of being sunken below the viewpoint. The 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map [1] shows most but not all of the 19th Century drives and paths between Ashley Combe and Culbone; the tunnels are also depicted on the map. Documentary evidence suggests that the drives were laid out in the 1840s and perhaps largely completed by the early 1850s, when Lord King travelled abroad following his wife’s death in 1852. [2]

Sources/Archives (2)

  • <1> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500.
  • <2> Report: Riley, H.. 2018. The archaeology of the 19th Century designed landscape at Ashley Combe and Culbone Church, Exmoor National Park: Project Report. 12-13, 19.

External Links (0)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Candidate)

Map

Location

Grid reference SS 8448 4834 (point)
Map sheet SS84NW
Civil Parish PORLOCK, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Mar 10 2021 5:10PM

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