MMO1864 - Medieval or post-medieval square enclosure south of Thornworthy (Monument)

Summary

A low earthwork bank defining a square enclosure of probable medieval or post-medieval date can be seen on aerial photographs. It may mark the extent of a former farmyard, indicating an aspect of settlement abandonment.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

A low earthwork bank defining a square enclosure of probable medieval or post-medieval date can be seen on aerial photographs immediately to the south of Thornworthy, Lynton and Lynmouth parish, centred on circa SS 71064574. The enclosure bank is visible on photographs of the 1950s onwards, but by the 1970s appears less well defined, probably as a result of modern agricultural improvements. The bank encloses an area of roughly 2400 square metres (0.24 hectares) and may mark the extent of a former farmyard, indicating that Thornworthy might previously have been a small village or hamlet, and that some settlement abandonment has occurred. Earthwork evidence for strip fields immediately to the south may support this interpretation. [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 540/910 (F20) 3161-2 (17 October 1952).
  • <2> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF 540/931 (F20) 4041-2 8 November 1952).
  • <3> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR OS/72065 188-9 (15 April 1972).
  • <4>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 74 NW. MD002173. [Mapped feature: #33076 ]
  • <5> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1464623, Extant 16 December 2021.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 74 NW100
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1464623

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7103 4573 (56m by 89m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS74NW
Civil Parish LYNTON AND LYNMOUTH, NORTH DEVON, DEVON

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (2)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Dec 16 2021 2:00PM

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