MMO1991 - World War Two structures northeast of Down Linhay (Monument)

Summary

Two structures are visible on aerial photographs of the 1940s onwards. They are not marked on the Ordnance Survey map of 1938 and were probably constructed by the military as part of a communications network during the Second World War.

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Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

Two structures of probable military function are visible on aerial photographs of the 1940s onwards, atop the hill to the southwest of Lynton and Lynmouth. The structures are not marked on the Ordnance Survey 1:10560 map of 1938 and were probably therefore constructed by the military during the Second World War. A pitched roof structure approximately 6 by 4 metres in size, at circa SS 7072 4869, is connected by some 23 metres of concrete path to a second, slightly larger structure at circa SS 7071 4868, enclosed within a blast wall. Their precise function is unclear, but a role within the military communications or observation network is probable, perhaps has a radio telegraphy station. Although no towers or masts are visible standing by 1946, this interpretation is supported both by its topographical setting and mast footings clearly visible adjacent to the blast wall enclosure, to the southwestern end of the complex. The structures within the blast wall have been demolished by 1995, with only the blast wall intact on aerial photographs of that year. The smaller structure survives in a ruinous state. Both are marked on the current Ordnance Survey base map and have not been transcribed. They are probably associated with similar although larger complex of structures visible 400 metres to the east, at circa SS 7110 4858. [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] The structures are shown on the 2022 MasterMap data, but are not labelled. [6]

Sources/Archives (6)

  • <1> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF CPE/UK/1980 (F20) 4052-3 (11 April 1947).
  • <2> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR OS/95026 015-6 (12 March 1995).
  • <3> Map: Ordnance Survey. Various. Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) . 1:10560, 1938.
  • <4>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 74 NW. MD002173. [Mapped feature: #32995 ]
  • <5> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1466290, Extant 10 January 2022.
  • <6> Map: Ordnance Survey. 2022. MasterMap data. 1:2,500.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 74 NW196
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1466290

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7071 4868 (39m by 35m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS74NW
Civil Parish LYNTON AND LYNMOUTH, NORTH DEVON, DEVON

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Jan 10 2022 3:12PM

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