MMO2793 - Medieval or post-medieval field boundary east of Sherracombe Farm (Monument)

Summary

A curvilinear bank visible on aerial photographs as an earthwork may be the remains of a medieval or post-medieval field boundary. It was probably removed in the post-medieval period to create a larger field.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

A curvilinear bank visible on aerial photographs as an earthwork immediately east of Sherracombe Farm, North Molton, is most likely the remains of a medieval or post-medieval field boundary. Centred at approximately SS 7196 3595, the bank runs approximately north to south, curving significantly to the east in the northern half. It measures approximately 210 metres long by up to 5 metres wide, although its width may have been exaggerated by ploughing. It appears that the boundary divided the extant field into two smaller enclosures, but its alignment is quite irregular compared to that of the extant boundaries. The boundary is not depicted on the 1t Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1890, suggesting it was removed prior to this date. The curvilinear form of the bank is reminiscent of medieval field boundaries, and it it seems likely that the bank was removed in the post-medieval period, probably to create a larger field. [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/73086 829-30 (17 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: #33154 Extent of earthwork seen on aerial photographs, ]
  • <4> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1484725, Extant 1 December 2021.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 73 NW133
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1484725

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7198 3593 (105m by 190m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS73NW
Civil Parish NORTH MOLTON, NORTH DEVON, DEVON

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Dec 1 2021 11:29AM

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