MMO1698 - Post-medieval peat cutting on Shilstone Hill (Monument)

A large area of peat cutting, of probable post-medieval date, is visible on aerial photographs as numerous small pits and irregular earthworks covering an area of approximately 20 hectares on Shilstone Hill, Brendon parish, centred approximately on SS 7635 4568. The cutting is most concentrated on the summit of Shilstone Hill, continuing along a spur to the northeast at a lesser concentration. The individual pits display a variety of shapes and sizes, from square pits less than 3 metres square, to less regularly shaped pits often displaying curved boundaries, approaching 20 metres across. Due to the great number of pits visible on the aerial photographs, only a representative selection has been transcribed, indicating distribution and form. Peat cutting is known to have continued on Exmoor until very recently and may still occur in places [3]. Three similar areas are visible to the south and east on Brendon Common. [1-4] A study of the archaeology and history of peat exploitation on Exmoor’s moorlands provides additional background on the practice and sites. [5] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [6]