MMO3189 - Possible World War Two training site at Withypool Hill (Monument)

A small mound is visible on aerial photographs of the 1940s as an earthwork on Withypool Hill. The age and function of the mound are uncertain but it may be associated with military training activities of Second World War date.

A small mound is visible on aerial photographs of the 1940s as an earthwork on Withypool Hill, centred on circa SS 8429 3444. The mound is subcircular in shape and approximately 8 metres in diameter, the edge of the feature possibly defined by a narrow and low earthwork bank less than one metre wide. The age and function of the mound are uncertain but it may be associated with military training activities of Second World War date. Three further earthworks of similar size can be seen to the west of the Withypool Hill barrow, in the general area of vehicle tracks indicative of military training activities. Due to the dense vegetation on Withypool Hill the condition of this feature cannot be ascertained from the aerial photographs available to the survey. [1,2] A field survey was undertaken in 2017 as part of a desk based assessment of Withypool Hill. This identified a shallow bowl shaped depression measuring 4.60 metres (east to west) by 4.7 metres (north to south) at this location. No associated banks were present. Animal tracks pass through the feature, and it is clear of thick grass so may be being used as an animal shelter. It is also visible on LiDAR data as a depression. [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]