MMO2164 - Post-medieval peat cutting on Hoaroak Hill (Monument)

A large area of peat cutting, of probable post-medieval date, is visible on aerial photographs as numerous small pits and irregular earthworks on Hoaroak Hill, Exmoor, covering an area of approximately 7.5 hectares. The earthworks are centred on SS 737 429 and are of a variety of shapes and sizes, from square pits measuring 6 to 8 metres, to rectangular linear pits up to 200 metres across. The cuttings lie in close proximity to a number of post-medieval and 20th Century drains depicted on the modern Ordnance Survey map, which are believed to have been cut as part of the Knight family's attempt at land improvement in the area during the 19th Century. 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 vary recently, and may continue in places. Similar areas are visible to the north along The Chains. [1-4] 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]