MMO2636 - Medieval or post-medieval trackways around Shallowford (Monument)

Summary

A number of shallow ditches visible as earthworks around Shallow Ford bear a strong resemblance to the medieval or post medieval packhorse road or trackway which skirts the boundary of the former Royal Forest of Exmoor.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

A number of shallow ditches visible as earthworks around Shallow Ford, Lynton and Lynmouth bear a strong resemblance to the medieval or post-medieval packhorse road or trackway which skirts the boundary of the former Royal Forest of Exmoor. Centred at approximately SS 7152 4497, numerous criss-crossing ditches are visible, leading in various directions but predominately east-west. One of the tracks leads towards the route of the packhorse road, while others lead towards Shallowford, and perhaps connect with the ditches visible southwest of the settlement (see MMO2635). The various trackways all converge at a point on the stream which lies east of Shallowford; presumably a crossing of some kind existed here, perhaps the original "shallow ford." There is not track or routeway at this location depicted on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map, suggesting it was abandoned prior to publication in 1889. Burton (1989) identifies a trackway at Shallowford which he describes as an "ancient routeway" which later became a well used packhorse road, crossing from Lynton to Mole Chamber. It is possible that the junction of trackways visible here connected this "ancient routeway" and the packhorse road which follows the boundaries of the former Royal Forest (see MMO495). [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. RAF 540/931 4089-90 (8 November 1952).
  • <2> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500. 1889.
  • <3> Monograph: Burton, R.A.. 1989. The Heritage of Exmoor. Roger A. Burton. 18-19, 34-35.
  • <4>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 74 SW. MD002182. [Mapped feature: #32861 ]
  • <5> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1480197, Extant 10 January 2022.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 74 SW278
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1480197

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7150 4494 (222m by 149m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS74SW
Civil Parish LYNTON AND LYNMOUTH, NORTH DEVON, DEVON

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (2)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Jan 10 2022 4:09PM

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