MMO2896 - Post-medieval water meadow or routeway south of Lime Combe (Monument)

The remains of a possible post-medieval water meadow are visible as earthworks in a field south of Lime Combe, Exmoor. Centred at approximately SS 7636 3934, two gutters are visible stretching across the south facing slope above Bale Water. The water meadow systems on and around Exmoor usually consist of a series of approximately parallel gutters which distributed flowing water evenly over the surface of the meadow. This prevented freezing in winter and encouraged early growth in spring, thereby providing extra feed for livestock. However, since only two gutters are visible here, it may be the remains of a water supply or other irrigation method. [1-2] The 25 inch 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map shows a routeway running from SS 7642 3927 and heading northwest. The eastern of the two transcribed features follows the route of this routeway. [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]