MMO2263 - Medieval to modern peat cuttings south of Lang Combe Head (Monument)

An extensive area of peat cutting of possible medieval to 20th Century date, can be seen as numerous irregularly shaped pits and disturbed ground on aerial photographs [1,2] of the 1940s onwards, centred on circa SS 8695 4161. The pits vary in shape and size, from small rectilinear pits less than 5 metres across to large amorphous excavations over 70 metres in length. The larger pits more readily reflect the cumulative nature of peat cutting on Exmoor, where one family may cut the same peat beds or turbary, known locally as a 'turf', for generations as part of their commoners rights. In total, this area of peat cutting covers over 40 hectares of common land, extending northeast from Dunkery Hill to Wilmersham Common, crossing the parish boundaries between Luccombe, Exford and Cutcombe. Similar, though less extensive cuttings can be seen to the west and east. Due to the difficult nature of the evidence, the transcription attempts only to convey the area and character of the excavations, and should be taken only as indicative of the extent of individual cuttings. The heyday of peat cutting on Exmoor was probably in the first half of the 19th century, although small scale cutting probably continued well into the 20th Century [3]. [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]