MMO2353 - Post-medieval drainage ditch on Prayway Meads (Monument)

Summary

A probable 19th Century drainage ditch or water channel is visible on aerial photographs as an earthwork. It appears to have been designed to channel water from the boggy areas of Little Buscombe and Prayway Meads into the River Exe.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

A post-medieval drainage ditch or water channel is visible on aerial photographs as an earthwork on the western side of Prayway Meads, Exmoor. Beginning at approximately 7701 4136 two parallel channels are visible, running downslope in aroughly north to south direction, with the eastern channel eventually turning 30 degrees west and connecting with the western channel. The total length of the gutters is approximately 225 metres. It appears to have been designed to channel water from the boggy areas of Little Buscombe and Prayway Meads into the River Exe, and most likely dates to the mid 19th Century and the Knight family's agricultural improvements in the area. [1,2] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [3]

Sources/Archives (3)

  • <1> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR OS/73109 934-35 (29 April 1973).
  • <2>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 74 SE. MD002183. [Mapped feature: #32968 ]
  • <3> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1475863, Extant 14 June 2021.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 74 SE202
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1475863

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7694 4128 (152m by 175m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS74SE
Civil Parish EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Jun 14 2021 9:43PM

Feedback?

Your feedback is welcome. If you can provide any new information about this record, please contact us.