MMO2397 - Possible prehistoric enclosure north of Great Ashcombe (Monument)

Summary

A circular banked enclosure is visible on aerial photographs as a slight earthwork. A second enclosure is also visible to the west (MMO2396). They may represent Bronze Age or Iron Age settlement enclosures.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

A circular banked enclosure is visible on aerial photographs as a slight earthwork on moorland north of Great Ashcombe, Exmoor. Centred at SS 7730 4085, the enclosure is defined by a spread earthwork bank 4 metres wide enclosing an area approximately 20 metres wide. A break in the bank on the north side may represent the remains of an entranceway. A second enclosure is also visible to the west and has been recorded separately. They greatly resemble the settlement enclosures seen elsewhere on Exmoor which date to the late Bronze or Iron Ages; however, there are no obvious hut circles or platforms associated with them. The enclosures are not visible after 1946, and may have been destroyed by ploughing or other agricultural activity. [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. RAF 106G/UK/1501 4188-89 (13 May 1946).
  • <2>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 74 SE. MD002183. [Mapped feature: #47261 ]
  • <3> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1476421, Extant 8 June 2021.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 74 SE246
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1476421

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7730 4085 (27m by 27m)
Map sheet SS74SE
Civil Parish EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Jun 8 2021 1:08PM

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