MMO2713 - 19th Century drainage system south of Squallacombe (Monument)
Summary
Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record caveat document.
Type and Period (1)
Protected Status
- None recorded
Full Description
An area of regular post-medieval drainage ditches is visible on aerial photographs within an enclosure on the southern edge of Squallacombe, Exmoor. The ditches were most likely cut as part of the Knight family's attempt at agricultural improvement, probably around 1845. Centred at approximately SS 7319 3818, the ditches run north west to south-east across a east facing slope above an unnamed stream. It appears that the ditches were designed to channel water into this stream. The ditches are all cut in straight parallel lines, and cover an area of approximately 12 hectares. In places the ditches are cut by the boundaries of the rectangular enclosure, indicating that they predate the enclosure. According to Orwin, many miles of drainage ditches were cut across parts of Exmoor, but in some areas failed to provide adequate drainage for the land to be enclosed [2]. However, large areas of Exmoor were successfully drained, including this rectangular enclosure. Other similar ditches are visible in the surrounding areas, some draining into natural streams and water courses, others appearing to drain into specially constructed leats. Many of the ditches are associated with areas of peat cutting. [1-3] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [4]
Sources/Archives (4)
- <1> SMO4068 Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR OS/73087 622-23 (17 April 1973).
- <2> SEM7231 Monograph: Orwin, C.S.. 1929. The Reclamation of Exmoor Forest. Oxford University Press. 1st Edition. 32-33.
- <3>XY SMO7572 Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 73 NW. MD002189. [Mapped feature: #47728 ]
- <4> SEM7987 Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1483654, Extant 30 November 2021.
External Links (1)
- http://www.pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=1483654 (Pastscape entry: 1483654)
Other Statuses/References
- Local List Status (Unassessed)
- National Monuments Record reference: SS 73 NW53
- NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1483654
Location
Grid reference | Centred SS 7322 3814 (509m by 400m) |
---|---|
Map sheet | SS73NW |
Civil Parish | EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (2)
Related Events/Activities (1)
Record last edited
Nov 30 2021 1:57PM
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