MMO1697 - World War Two trackway on Brendon Common (Monument)

Summary

A loop of trackway on Brendon Common, visible on aerial photographs of the 1940s, was probably associated with military training exercises taking place on Exmoor during the Second World War.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

A looped track of Second World War date is visible on aerial photographs, located at circa SS 766 455 on Brendon Common. The trackway, which abuts a pre existing trackway marked on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map, was probably worn by the passage of military vehicles on training exercises, possibly associated with the firing range in operation on Exmoor during the Second World War. The precise function of this loop of track is unclear, but numerous turning circles visible within its area indicate it was probably used for the manoeuvres of heavy vehicles, possibly Armoured Fighting Vehicles, more commonly known as Tanks. The trackway is no longer visible by 1964. [1-4] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [5]

Sources/Archives (5)

  • <1> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF 106G/UK1501 (F20) 3322 (136 May 1946).
  • <2> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF 543/2821 0171-2 (27 April 1964).
  • <3> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1896. County Series, First Edition 6 Inch Map. 1:10560. 1891.
  • <4>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 74 NE. MD002168. [Mapped feature: #35187 ]
  • <5> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1461096, Extant 7 December 2021.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 74 NE83
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1461096

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7666 4555 (159m by 124m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS74NE
Civil Parish BRENDON, NORTH DEVON, DEVON

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Dec 7 2021 4:01PM

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