MMO2449 - Possible medieval field boundary above Allcombe Water Head (Monument)

Summary

An earthwork bank visible on aerial photographs may be the remains of a field boundary, potentially of medieval date. The sinuous form of the earthwork may indicate a medieval origin.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

An earthwork bank visible on aerial photographs may be the remains of a former field boundary, potentially of medieval date. The narrow bank is centred on circa SS 8346 4196 and can be seen above Allcombe Water Head, Exford parish, ascending the south facing slopes for almost 300 metres between circa 400 and 420 metres above Ordnance Datum. The boundary is not marked on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map, which may indicate the boundary passed out of use prior to 1889. It is possible that the sinuous or 'aratral' form of the boundary indicates an origin based on strip fields medieval date. [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. NMR RAF 540/931 (F20) 3099-100 (8 November 1952).
  • <2> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500. 1889.
  • <3> Monograph: Turner, S.. 2007. Ancient Country: The Historic Character of Rural Devon. Devon Archaeological Society. p 49.
  • <4>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 84 SW. MD002184. [Mapped feature: #32584 ]
  • <5> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1477738, Extant 20 July 2021.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 84 SW222
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1477738

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 8344 4198 (258m by 134m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS84SW
Civil Parish EXFORD, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Jul 20 2021 2:10PM

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