MMO2949 - Possible post-medieval prospecting pit on Burcombe (Monument)

Summary

A linear pit or quarry is visible on aerial photographs as an earthwork. It is most likely to be the remains of a post-medieval prospecting pit. It is likely to have been abandoned prior to 1890.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

A linear pit or quarry is visible on aerial photographs as an earthwork on Burcombe, Exmoor. Centred at approximately SS 7513 3788 and measuring some 35 metres long, it lies in an area of extensive iron mining, with Blue Gate iron mine less than 850 metres to the west, and Roman Lode 300 metres to the north. It is therefore most likely to be the remains of a post-medieval prospecting pit. It is not depicted on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1890, suggesting it was abandoned prior to publication. [1-3] A walk over survey in 2012 by Cornwall Council identified a linear extractive pit, approximately 35m long and 1m wide, aligned north-south, flanked by spoil banks up to 3.5m wide and 0.4m high to the east and west. It is likely post-medieval. The southern side may have been partly slighted by a modern vehicle route across the open moor. [4] A follow up walk over survey in 2012 by the Mires historic environment officer, confirmed that the extrative pit was likely post-medieval. [5] An archaeological watching brief undertaken in March 2013 as part of the MIRES project noted a silted up ditch that was observed to have been dug through the openwork. [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> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR OS/96507 43-44 (30 March 1996).
  • <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 NE. MD002190. [Mapped feature: #43630 ]
  • <4> Report: Kirkham, G. and Taylor, S.. 2012. Burcombe and Wester Emmetts, Exmoor: Archaeological Survey. Cornwall County Council Historic Environment Service (Projects). p16.
  • <5> Report: Bray, L.S.. 2013. Archaeological walkover surveys on Burcombe: May - October, 2012. p12.
  • <6> Report: Passmore, A.. 2013. Exmoor Mires project, Burcombe, Somerset: Results of an archaeological watching brief. p2.
  • <7> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1487587, Extant 23 November 2021.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • Mires Feature Reference (Monument): EBC12(22)
  • Mires Feature Reference (Monument): EBC12(31)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 73 NE152
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1487587

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7513 3788 (21m by 36m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS73NE
Civil Parish EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (4)

Record last edited

Nov 23 2021 2:25PM

Feedback?

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