MMO276 - Post-medieval enclosure and field boundaries on Countisbury Common (Monument)
Summary
Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record caveat document.
Type and Period (2)
Protected Status
Full Description
A rectangular enclosure, visible on aerial photographs and at ground level is also shown on the current Ordnance Survey 1:10000 sheet [1]. The feature, centred at SS 7539 5005, lies on steep northeast facing slopes at 250 metres above Ordnance Datum. It is rectangular in shape and is defined by an earthen bank with external ditch. Both this and the interior are covered in dense bracken. Cursory examination did not reveal either an entrance or any internal features. A relict field boundary, visible as a low earthern bank, joins the enclosure at its southwest corner. This curvilinear bank measures approximately 137 metres in length, running east to west. A second field boundary, at SS 7535 5014 runs approximately north to south for 110 metres. The banks are similar in form and structure to those seen on The Foreland, which have been ascribed to the post-medieval period. The purpose and function of the enclosure and the field boundaries are unclear. However they are probably post-medieval in date, and the steepness of the slopes on which the enclosure lies suggests that it might once have been occupied by a plantation. Neither the enclosure nor the banks are depicted on the 1st or 2nd edition Ordnance Survey maps [2,3], suggesting they were abandoned prior to publication in 1891. [1-6] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [7]
Sources/Archives (7)
- <1> SEM7222 Map: Ordnance Survey. 1980. 1:10000 Map, 1980. 1:10000.
- <2> SEM6705 Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1896. County Series, First Edition 6 Inch Map. 1:10560. 1891.
- <3> SEM7190 Map: Ordnance Survey. 1902-1907. County Series, 2nd Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500. 1904.
- <4> SMO7329 Unpublished document: Wilson-North, R.. Various. Field Investigators Comments. RCHME Field Investigation, F1, 14 October 1993.
- <5> SMO4068 Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF 540/910 4008-09 (17 October 1952).
- <6>XY SMO7553 Archive: Historic England. 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 75 SE. MD002170. [Mapped feature: #42789 ]
- <7> SEM7987 Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 766324, Extant 25 January 2022.
External Links (1)
- http://www.pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=766324 (Pastscape entry: 766324)
Other Statuses/References
- Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MDE8692
- Local List Status (Require info)
- National Monuments Record reference: SS 75 SE5
- NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 766324
Location
Grid reference | Centred SS 7535 5009 (173m by 178m) Aerial Survey |
---|---|
Map sheet | SS75SE |
Civil Parish | COUNTISBURY, NORTH DEVON, DEVON |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (3)
Record last edited
Jan 25 2022 1:11PM
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