MMO2503 - Medieval and post-medieval hollow ways on Madacombe (Monument)
Summary
Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record caveat document.
Type and Period (1)
Protected Status
Full Description
Several hollow ways or tracks are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks centred on circa SS 8359 4245, immediately to the north of Aldermans Barrow. These routes may be evidence of long standing transhumance routes of possible medieval origin. Up to five metres wide, at least seven individual routes can be seen, some displaying evidence of multiple phases of wear, extending for over 300 metres. They are, in general, orientated roughly northeast to southwest, but this probably reflects the fact that the tracks are probably taking advantage of one of the few natural access points into to the former Royal Forest of Exmoor from the northeast, in particular from the Vale of Porlock, as they pass between the valleys of Madacombe and Hurdle Down. These natural barriers continue to the northwest as Chalk Water and the east as Horner water. The potential significance of this route may also be indicated as the tracks pass through the junction of three parishes, (Porlock, Luccombe and Exford, not including the Exmoor parish), potentially organised so as to gain access to this point. Once through this pinch point, the tracks fan out to head in all directions from west to southwest. There is some evidence for linear earthwork banks towards the eastern end of these tracks, which may be the remains of field boundaries or enclosures associated with the management of livestock as they pass into or exit the Royal Forest. [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> SEM6707 Aerial photograph: Royal Air Force. 1946 -1948. Vertical Aerial Photography. NMR RAF 540/931 (F20) 3099-100 (8 November 1952).
- <2>XY SMO7567 Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 84 SW. MD002184. [Mapped features: #47402 ; #47403 ; #47404 ; #47405 ; #47406 ; #47407 ]
- <3> SEM7987 Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1477997, Extant 19 July 2021.
External Links (1)
- http://www.pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=1477997 (Pastscape entry: 1477997)
Other Statuses/References
- Local List Status (Unassessed)
- National Monuments Record reference: SS 84 SW252
- NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1477997
Location
Grid reference | Centred SS 8353 4242 (432m by 260m) (6 map features) |
---|---|
Map sheet | SS84SW |
Civil Parish | PORLOCK, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (1)
Related Events/Activities (1)
Record last edited
Jul 19 2021 4:29PM
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