MMO2173 - Post-medieval peat cutting east of Hoaroak (Monument)

A large area of peat cutting, of probable post-medieval date, is visible as numerous small pits and irregular earthworks on moorland east of Hoaroak, Brendon. The cuttings were most likely abandoned in the late 19th or 20th Century. Summary from record MMO2303: A large area of peat cutting, of probable post medieval date, is visible as numerous small pits and irregular earthworks on Cheriton Ridge, Brendon. They are similar in form to peat cuttings elsewhere on Brendon Common, (see NMR UID) and 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 on Cheriton Ridge, Brendon, covering an area of approximately 29 hectares. The earthworks are centred on SS 7509 4377 and are of a variety of shapes and sizes, from square pits measuring between 5 and 6 metres across , to less regularly shaped, 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 south, southeast and northeast. [1-6] 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. [7] A study of the archaeology and history of peat exploitation on Exmoor’s moorlands provides additional background on the practice and sites. [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. [9,10]