MMO3202 - Post-medieval peat cuttings at Litton (Monument)
Summary
Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record caveat document.
Type and Period (1)
Protected Status
- None recorded
Full Description
Peat cuttings of probable post-medieval date can be seen as earthworks and cropmarks on aerial photographs at Litton. The visibility of peat cuttings on aerial photographs is extremely changeable, altering with variables such as season and rainfall. Although actual cuttings or pits can not be seen over the entire area, disturbed ground surfaces and vegetation indicative of peat extraction can be seen over an area in excess of 30 hectares, perhaps as much as 50 hectares. Peat extraction is focused on the highest ground and upper slopes, with the densest concentration of pits visible at circa SS 8067 3335, SS 8100 3293 and SS 7988 3325. It is possible that these foci indicate areas of extraction operated by different families. More extensive peat workings can be seen to the east. [1-4] A study of the archaeology and history of peat exploitation on Exmoor’s moorlands provides additional background on the practice and sites. [5] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [6]
Sources/Archives (6)
- <1> SEM6707 Aerial photograph: Royal Air Force. 1946 -1948. Vertical Aerial Photography. RAF/CPE/UK/1980 (F20) 3367-9 (11 April 1947).
- <2> SMO4069 Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Oblique Aerial Photograph. RAF 540/848 (PFFO) 0164-5 (25 August 1952).
- <3> SMO4068 Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF 543/2821 (F61) 0253-4 (27 April 1964).
- <4>XY SMO7580 Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 83 SW. MD002197. [Mapped features: #43264 ; #43265 ]
- <5> SEM8135 Report: Riley, H.. 2014. Turf Cutting on Exmoor: An archaeological and historical study - project report.
- <6> SEM7987 Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1492121, Extant 1 December 2021.
External Links (1)
- www.pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=1492121 (Original Monarch entry: 1492121)
Other Statuses/References
- Local List Status (Unassessed)
- National Monuments Record reference: SS 83 SW123
- NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1492121
Location
Grid reference | Centred SS 8034 3314 (1570m by 608m) (2 map features) |
---|---|
Map sheet | SS83SW |
Civil Parish | EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (1)
Record last edited
Dec 1 2021 1:40PM
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