MMO2619 - Medieval or post-medieval field boundaries on Sloe Combe, Sloecombe or Slocombe (Monument)

Summary

A number of medieval or post-medieval field boundaries are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks. It is possible that these boundaries are related to Slocombe Farm, and further survey is required to confirm this.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

A number of medieval or post-medieval field boundaries are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks north of Wootton Lodge and Huntsham Cott, Wootton Courtenay. Centred at aproximately SS 9539 4343, several linear banks are visible, mostly aligned northwest to southeast, and apparently forming at least one large rectangular enclosure measuring approximately 130 metres by 117 metres. In places the banks are cut or interrupted by the extant field boundaries. To the west of these banks at SS 9520 4360 is the former settlement of Slocombe Farm, which is mentioned in the court rolls of Henry VIII (1539-40). By 1844 it was a holding of approximately 83 acres, but without a farmhouse, suggesting it had been abandoned. It seem likely that these boundaries could be associated with this settlement, and further survey will be required to confirm this. Several of the boundaries are apparently still in use on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1889, although most are overlain by coniferous forest plantations. [1-4]

Sources/Archives (4)

  • <1> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR OS/70380 164-65 (23 September 1970).
  • <2> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500. 1889.
  • <3> Article in serial: Aston, M.. 1983. Deserted Farmsteads on Exmoor and the Lay Subsidy of 1327 in West Somerset. Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society. 127. 71-104.
  • <4>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 94 SE. MD002187. [Mapped feature: #32508 ]

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 SE182
  • Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 1479728

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 9538 4341 (196m by 178m) (Aerial Survey)
Map sheet SS94SE
Civil Parish WOOTTON COURTENAY, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (0)

Record last edited

Jan 22 2020 2:17PM

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