MMO585 - Post-medieval linhay with associated water meadow at Howtown Farm (Monument)

Summary

The remains of a post-medieval linhay are visible as an earthwork enclosure, a probable building platform and a pond. To the southwest a possible water meadow associated with the linhay is visible on aerial photographs taken in 1964.

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Type and Period (4)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

Aerial photographs show building remains and a bank making a small enclosure. [1,2] The earthwork remains of an enclosure 18 by 5 metres with a probable building platform at the northwestern end, together with the remains of a pond 15 by 12 metres lie at SS 9336 3346. The field evidence suggests a barn with associated enclosure and pond for stock. The building, enclosure and pond are not depicted on the tithe map of 1838, but the names of the adjacent fields are "Linhay Close" and Lower Linhay Close". They were worked by John How, probably from nearby HowTown Farm [5]. The enclosure and pond are shown on the Ordnance Survey 1st Edition map of 1889 [6]. The remains of the enclosure and the pond are recorded on the current large scale mapping of the area [7]. This cartographic and documentary evidence suggested a linhay, worked from Howton Farm, which fell into disuse sometime before 1838. [8] Immediately to the southwest of the enclosure and pond is a small system of field drains, possible part of a water meadow system associated with the linhay. These features are visible on vertical aerial photographs of the area. [9-10] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [11]

Sources/Archives (11)

  • <1> Aerial photograph: 1971. HSL.UK.71-177 Run 93. 8722.
  • <2> Unpublished document: McDonnell, R.. 1980. Gazetteer of Sites in the Exmoor National Park Identified through Aerial Photography. SS9333A.
  • <3> Map: Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division. 1962. 6" SS93SW.
  • <4> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1904. 25" sheet. 1904, Somerset 57(8).
  • <5> Map: 1838. Exton Tithe Map and Apportionment.
  • <6> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1854-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500. 1889, Somerset 57(8).
  • <7> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1973. 1:2500. 1:25,000. SS9333.
  • <8> Unpublished document: Riley, H.. Field Investigators Comments. RCHME Field Investigation, 1997.
  • <9> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF 543/2821 (F62) 0275-6 (27 April 1964).
  • <10> Archive: 1998-1998. RCHME: Brendon Hills Mapping Project, SS 93 SW. AF1133201.
  • <11> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1095087, Extant 9 May 2022.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO11858
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO7169
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 93 SW27
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1095087
  • Somerset SMR PRN: 34436

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 9328 3337 (275m by 207m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS93SW
Civil Parish EXTON, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

May 9 2022 7:54PM

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