MMO2621 - Post-medieval field boundaries in Oway Plantation (Monument)

Summary

Several post medieval field boundaries are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks. They were most likely abandoned in the late 19th Century when Oway Plantation was developed.

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Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

Several post-medieval field boundaries are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks in Oway Plantation and on the slopes of Knowle Hill, Wootton Courtenay. Centred at approximately SS 9614 4371, three banks are visible, cut by the modern pathway which runs east to west across Knowle Hill known as Knowle Hill Track. The northernmost bank runs roughly east to west along the crest of the slope and measures some 220 metres in llength. Two further banks run north to south, downslope, connecting with the first bank at their northern ends. The first, at SS 9612 4373 measures 92 metres in length, while the second, at SS 9627 4366 measures 102 metres long. All three banks are no more than 3 metres wide. The extremely straight, regular arrangement of the boundaries suggests a post-medieval date. Parts of this field system are depicted on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1889 indicating that they were perhaps still in use during this period. They were most likely abandoned in the late 19th Century when Oway Plantation was developed. [1-3]

Sources/Archives (3)

  • <1> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF 543/2821 (F65) 141-42 (27 April 1964).
  • <2> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500. 1889.
  • <3>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 94 SE. MD002187. [Mapped feature: #32506 ]

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 SE184
  • Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 1479746

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 9617 4371 (240m by 231m) (Aerial Survey)
Map sheet SS94SE
Civil Parish WOOTTON COURTENAY, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET
Historic Parish MINEHEAD

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (0)

Record last edited

Jun 12 2020 7:19PM

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