MMO2732 - Post-medieval or 20th Century drainage system south of Driver Cottages (Monument)

Summary

A post-medieval or possibly 20th Century drainage system is visible on aerial photographs. It may have been expanded and recut throughout the 19th and 20th Century.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

A post-medieval or possibly 20th Century drainage system is visible on aerial photographs on moorland south of Driver Cottages (now called Moorland Way), Exmoor. Centred at SS 7355 3998 a series of criss-crossing ditches can be seen, interlinking with each other and with a large curvilinear contour leat, which appears to drain into the River Barle in the west. This large ditch is depicted on the first edition Ordnance Survey map, suggesting at least part of the system was constructed and in use by the time of publication in 1890. 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. It is possible that the system was continually expanded and recut throughout the 19th and 20th Century, which would account for its apparently excellent state of preservation. [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> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR OS/73109 990-91 (29 April 1973).
  • <2> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500. 1890.
  • <3>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 73 NW. MD002189. [Mapped feature: #45133 ]
  • <4> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1484191, Extant 30 November 2021.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 73 NW72
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1484191

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7351 3997 (495m by 173m)
Map sheet SS73NW
Civil Parish EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Nov 30 2021 2:46PM

Feedback?

Your feedback is welcome. If you can provide any new information about this record, please contact us.