MMO1714 - World War Two slit trenches on Shilstone Hill (Monument)

Summary

Three practise slit trenches of Second World War date are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks on Shilstone Hill.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

Three slit-trenches of Second World War date are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks on Shilstone Hill, centred on circa SS 7611 4631. The trenches are up to 25 metres long and approximately 1 metre wide. Each trench is irregularly shaped, zigzag, curvilinear or crenallated in form. Such shapes were designed to minimise the effect of explosive blasts along the trench. These features were probably dug as practise trenches or mock defences as part of military training associated with the activities of the military training area which operated across large areas of Exmoor during the Second World War, including Brendon Common. They can still be seen on aerial photographs of 1995. [1-3] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [4]

Sources/Archives (4)

  • <1> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF 106G/UK/1501 (F20) 3322 (136 May 1946).
  • <2> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR OS/95026 078-79 (12 March 1995).
  • <3>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 74 NE. MD002168. [Mapped feature: #33102 ]
  • <4> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1461281, Extant 8 December 2021.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 74 NE100
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1461281

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7609 4631 (87m by 49m) 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 8 2021 10:51AM

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