MMO672 - Higher Ditch deserted farmstead, Brompton Regis (Monument)

Summary

Several small cottage enclosures are visible to the east of Ditch Farm on Ordnance Survey maps of the area. An extensive ridge and furrow field system together with a possible water meadow system surrounds both farms.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (4)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

The deserted farmstead of Higher Ditch, immediately to the east of Ditch Farm. Documentary evidence indicates the presence of several small cottage enclosures which are still visible on the 6 inch and 1:10,000 Ordnance Survey maps of the area. [1,2] Banks and ditches in a trackway leading towards small enclosures, together with millponds and leats, and low banks and derelict walls making three small subrectangular ponds were noted on aerial photographs. [3,4] Aerial photographs clearly show the presence of an extensive ridge and furrow field system in fields surrounding both farms, as well as some drainage ditches, possible part of a catch meadow drainage system and several field banks. [3,5-8] The site of Lower Ditch is now occupied by a pond. No structural remains are evident on the site. The former farmstead is approached from the southwest by a hollow way 5 metres wide and 0.7 metres deep. [9] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [10]

Sources/Archives (10)

  • <1> Unpublished document: Ridler, J K. 31.05.78. Ridler, J.K to Somerset County Council.
  • <2> Article in serial: Aston, M. 1983. Deserted Farms on Exmoor and the Lay subsidy of 1327 in West Somerset. Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeology and Natural History Society. 127. 88.
  • <3> Aerial photograph: September 19. HSL.UK.71-177 Run 99. 8815.
  • <4> Unpublished document: McDonnell, R.. 1980. Gazetteer of Sites in the Exmoor National Park Identified through Aerial Photography. SS9831A, SS9931A.
  • <5> Photograph: December 197. Slide (SCC Planning Department). 3.003.0009.
  • <6> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF CPE/UK/2082 3024-4 (19 May 1947).
  • <7> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF 106G/UK/1420 3479-80 (15 April 1946).
  • <8> Archive: Dyer, C.. 1998. RCHME: Brendon Hills Mapping Project, SS 93 SE. AF1118137.
  • <9> Unpublished document: Wilson-North, R.. Various. Field Investigators Comments. RCHME Field Investigation, 7 September 1998.
  • <10> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1118227, Extant 4 May 2022.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO11113
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO8896
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 93 SE34
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1118227
  • Somerset SMR PRN: 33410

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 9890 3135 (1028m by 820m) Aerial Survey
Map sheet SS93SE
Civil Parish BROMPTON REGIS, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET
Civil Parish UPTON, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

May 4 2022 3:50PM

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