MMO2954 - Post-medieval prospecting pits on Winstitchin (Monument)

Summary

Several small post-medieval pits are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks. They were abandoned prior to 1890. Their east-west alignment and proximity to Wheal Eliza mine suggests they may have been prospecting pits.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

Several small pits are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks on Winstitchin, Exmoor. Centred at approximately SS 7889 3800, up to 6 pits are visible, runing east-west. Most are no larger than 5 metres across, although the westernmost pit is more linear, and measures some 25 metres long. The pits likely date to the post-medieval period and are not depicted on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1890, suggesting they were abandoned prior to this date. Their east-west alignment and proximity to Wheal Eliza mine suggests they may have been prospecting pits associated with copper and iron mining in the area. [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/96507 38-39 (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: #33198 ]
  • <4> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1487600, Extant 23 November 2021.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 73 NE157
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1487600

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 7889 3799 (90m by 66m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS73NE
Civil Parish EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Nov 23 2021 2:35PM

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