MMO2171 - Post-medieval peat cutting northwest of Pinkery Farm (Monument)

A large area of peat cutting of probable post-medieval date is visible as numerous small pits and irregular earthworks in an enclosure labelled Broad Mead. The cuttings were most likely abandoned in the late 19th or 20th Century.

A large area of peat cutting, of probable post medieval date, is visible on aerial photographs as numerous small pits and irregular earthworks in an enclosed area of moorland labelled Broad Mead, northwest of Pinkery Farm, and covering an area of approximately 3.5 hectares. The earthworks are centred on SS 719 413 and are of a variety of shapes and sizes, from square pits measuring 5 to 7 metres to less regularly shaped and curved pits up to 50 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. Similar areas are visible to the east and northeast, along The Chains. [1-3] A study of the archaeology and history of peat exploitation on Exmoor’s moorlands provides additional background on the practice and sites. [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]