MMO2161 - Post-medieval peat cutting on Furzehill Common (Monument)

Summary

A large area of post-mediveal peat cutting is visible as numerous small pits and irregular earthworks on Furzehill Common. The cuttings were most likely abandoned in the late 19th or 20th Century.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

A large area of peat cutting, of probable post medieval date, is visible on aerial photographs as numerous small pits and irregular earthworks on Furzehill Common, Lynton and Lynmouth covering an area of approximately 5.5 hectares. The earthworks are centred on SS 735 445 and are of a variety of shapes and sizes, from square pits measuring 3 to 4 metres across, to less regularly shaped, curved pits up to 80 metres across. Due to the vast number of pits visible on aerial photographs, only a representative sample has been transcribed, indicating distribution and form. Peat cutting is known to have continued on Exmoor until very recently, and may continue in places. A similar area is visible to the north. [1-3] This site is mentioned in the 2013 report by Hazel Riley, a field survey and synthesis of previous projects in the Hoaroak Valley, funded by the Exmoor Moorland Landscape Partnership Scheme. [4] A study of the archaeology and history of peat exploitation on Exmoor’s moorlands provides additional background on the practice and sites. [5] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [6]

Sources/Archives (6)

  • <1> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR OS/72314 280-81 (16 August 1972).
  • <2> Monograph: Riley, H. and Wilson-North, R.. 2001. The Field Archaeology of Exmoor. English Heritage. 47, 143.
  • <3>XY Archive: English Heritage. 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 74 SW. MD002182. [Mapped feature: #38815 ]
  • <4> Report: Riley, H.. 2013. Hoaroak Valley: Historic landscape survey and analysis. 36.
  • <5> Report: Riley, H.. 2014. Turf Cutting on Exmoor: An archaeological and historical study - project report.
  • <6> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1470604, Extant 18 January 2022.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 74 SW 192
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1470604

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7360 4453 (333m by 306m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS74SW
Civil Parish LYNTON AND LYNMOUTH, NORTH DEVON, DEVON

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Jan 18 2022 5:11PM

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