MMO2030 - Post-medieval extractive pits on Rowley Down (Monument)

Summary

A series of small post-medieval extractive pits or quarries and associated spoil heaps, arranged along a minearal seam in a linear pattern are visible as earthworks on aerial photographs.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

"Old quarries" are shown on the 6 inch 1905 and 1963 Ordnance Survey maps. [1,2] Part of a group of six small quarries depressions marked by the Ordnance Survey as "Old Quarries" etc and noted on aerial photographs. [3-5] A series of small post-medieval extractive pits or quarries and associated spoil heaps, arranged in a linear pattern are visible as earthworks on aerial photographs of Rowley Down, Parracombe. Centred at approximately SS 6654 4331, six irregularly shaped pits are visible, all of which are apparently flanked by low mounds, presumably spoil heaps from the extraction. The irregular shape of the pits most likely results from individual prospection pits gradually becoming conjoined as they were expanded over time. The linear form of the pits suggests that a mineral seam was being prospected or followed, but the precise nature of the extraction cannot be established from aerial photographs alone. The pits are depicted and annotated as "old quarries" on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map, which suggests they had been abandoned some time prior to publication in 1889. They are similar in size and form to quarries 550 metres to the west, recorded under MMO2029. [6-8] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [9]

Sources/Archives (9)

  • <1> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1892-1906. County Series, 2nd Edition 6 Inch Map. 1:10560. 1905, 6SE.
  • <2> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1963. 6 Inch Map: 1963.
  • <3> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. MAM 13/063 (May 1977).
  • <4> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. CPE/UK/1980 3093 (April 1947).
  • <5> Unpublished document: McDonnell, R.. 1980. Gazetteer of Sites in the Exmoor National Park Identified through Aerial Photography. SS6642C.
  • <6> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF CPE/UK/1980 3092-93 (11 April 1947).
  • <7> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500. 1889.
  • <8>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 64 SE. MD002181. [Mapped feature: #33277 ]
  • <9> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1466905, Extant 9 November 2021.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Devon SMR Monument ID: 31580
  • Devon SMR: SS64SE/145
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MDE21193
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 64 SE87
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1466905

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 6654 4330 (167m by 48m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS64SE
Civil Parish PARRACOMBE, NORTH DEVON, DEVON

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Nov 9 2021 8:54AM

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