MMO2018 - Medieval ridge and furrow south and east of Countisbury Village (Monument)

Summary

Ridge and furrow cultivation of probable medieval date is visible as earthworks on aerial photographs. By 1972, the earthworks had been almost completely levelled.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

The earthwork remains of ridge and furrow cultivation can be seen on aerial photographs to the south and east of Countisbury village, centred on circa SS 7488 4974. The earthworks can be seen in two fields, running approximately north to south in a large field to the east of Countisbury, and east to west in a smaller field to the south. Much of the ridge and furrow is slightly sinuous in form, echoing the shape of the field boundaries, which may support an interpretation of a probable medieval date. Some of the earthworks, however, are more regular in form, and it is possible more than a single phase of agricultural activity is represented. By 1952 an area of circa 7500 square metres of ridge and furrow has been destroyed by the creation of a covered reservoir. By 1972, the entire area of roughly 4.5 hectares of ridge and furrow has been almost completely levelled. [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 540-902 (F20) 4025 (10 October 1952).
  • <2> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR OS72065 030 (15 April 1972).
  • <3>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 74 NW. MD002173. [Mapped feature: #38935 ]
  • <4> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1466877, Extant 10 January 2022.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Require info)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 74 NW212
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1466877

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7485 4974 (230m by 267m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS74NW
Civil Parish COUNTISBURY, NORTH DEVON, DEVON

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Jan 10 2022 3:48PM

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