MMO2338 - 19th Century drainage ditches on East Pinford (Monument)

Summary

An area of 19th Century drainage ditches is visible on aerial photographs. Other similar ditches are visible in the surrounding areas, draining into natural streams, water courses and contour leats. Many are associated with areas of peat cutting.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

An area of regular post-medieval drainage ditches is visible on aerial photographs on East Pinford, Exmoor. The ditches were most likely cut as part of the Knight family's attempt at improvement, probably at the same time as the construction of Warren Farm around 1845. Centred at approximately SS 7983 4180, the ditches run in a number of different directions, apparently channeling water towards the un-named stream between East and West Pinford, and cover an area of approximately 38 hectares. According to Orwin, many miles of drainage ditches were cut across parts of Exmoor, but in some areas failed to provide adequate drainage for the land to be enclosed [2]. Large areas of Exmoor were successfully drained, although it appears that this area, which is still open and boggy moorland was not one of them. Other similar ditches are visible in the surrounding areas, some draining into natural streams and water courses, others appearing to drain into the various contour leats. Many of the ditches are associated with areas of peat cutting. [1-3] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [4]

Sources/Archives (4)

  • <1> Aerial photograph: Royal Air Force. 1947. RAF/CPE/UK 1980. Royal Air Force Aerial Photograph. 3086. 1980 3159-60 (11 April 1947).
  • <2> Monograph: Orwin, C.S.. 1929. The Reclamation of Exmoor Forest. Oxford University Press. 1st Edition. P. 32-33.
  • <3>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 74 SE. MD002183. [Mapped feature: #32980 ]
  • <4> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1475726, Extant 15 June 2021.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 74 SE187
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1475726

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7974 4188 (936m by 911m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS74SE
Civil Parish EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (8)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Jun 15 2021 12:46PM

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