MMO2228 - Post-medieval drainage system on South Regis Common (Monument)

Summary

An area of regular post-medieval drainage ditches is visible on aerial photographs on moorland. They are similar to those cut as part of the Knight family's attempt at improvement and may show an attempt to copy the Knight family techniques.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

An area of regular post-medieval drainage ditches is visible on aerial photographs on moorland at South Regis Common, Challacombe. Centred at approximately SS 7115 4039, the ditches run northwest to southeast, covering an area of approximately 1 hectare and are similar to those cut as part of the Knight family's attempt at improvement. According to Orwin, many miles of drainage ditches were cut across parts of Exmoor, but failed to provide adequate drainage for the land to be enclosed. These drains lie outside the former Royal Forest, suggesting that they may have been cut in an attempt to copy the Knight family techniques. They are not depicted on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map, suggesting they may have been constructed after publication in 1890. [1-4] 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]

Sources/Archives (5)

  • <1> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF CPE/UK/2082 4104-05 (19 May 1947).
  • <2> Monograph: Orwin, C.S.. 1929. The Reclamation of Exmoor Forest. Oxford University Press. 1st Edition.
  • <3> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500. 1890.
  • <4>XY Archive: English Heritage. 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 74 SW. MD002182. [Mapped feature: #43429 ]
  • <5> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1471341, Extant 19 January 2022.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 74 SW259
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1471341

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7116 4039 (79m by 158m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS74SW
Civil Parish CHALLACOMBE, NORTH DEVON, DEVON

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Jan 19 2022 2:30PM

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