MMO2881 - Post-medieval drainage ditches on Burcombe (Monument)

Summary

An area of interconnecting post-medieval drainage ditches is visible on aerial photographs taken in 1973. The ditches were most likely cut as part of the Knight family's attempt at improvement, probably during the mid 19th Century.

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Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

An area of interconnecting post-medieval drainage ditches is visible on aerial photographs on Burcombe, Exmoor. Centred at approximately SS 7544 3834, the ditches extend across an area of approximately 65 hectares, cutting across the contours of the slope and directing water from the higher ground into the River Barle. 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. The ditches were most likely cut as part of the Knight family's attempt at improvement, probably during the mid 19th Century. According to Orwin, many miles of drainage ditches were cut across parts of Exmoor, but failed to provide adequate drainage for the land to be enclosed. Orwin also refers to Robert Smith, the land agent for the Knight's recommendation that "sheep drains" be constructed across the boggy parts of the moors to allow cattle to graze there. [1-3] An archaeological watching brief undertaken in March 2013 as part of the MIRES project noted a silted uo ditch that was observed to have been dug through an earlier openwork (MMO2949) and may have formed part of the 19th Century drainage ditches of the area. [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. NMR OS/73087 618-19 (17 April 1973).
  • <2> Monograph: Orwin, C.S.. 1929. The Reclamation of Exmoor Forest. Oxford University Press. 1st Edition. 33, 57.
  • <3>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 73 NE. MD002190. [Mapped feature: #40665 ]
  • <4> Report: Passmore, A.. 2013. Exmoor Mires project, Burcombe, Somerset: Results of an archaeological watching brief. 2.
  • <5> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1486553, Extant 22 November 2021.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 73 NE84
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1486553

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7547 3832 (929m by 1039m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS73NE
Civil Parish EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Nov 22 2021 5:09PM

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