MSO10161 - 19th Century prospecting pit southwest of Larkbarrow Farm (Monument)

Summary

A mineral prospecting trench is shown on historic mapping and most probably dates from the mid 19th Century.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

A mineral prospecting trench, SS 8136 4254, lies 750 metres to the southwest of Larkbarrow farmhouse, on the north facing slopes of Swap Hill. The prospect trench, 11.3 metres in length, 8.2 metres in width and 3 metres deep at its deepest point, has a spoil mound at its eastern end which rises to a height of 1 metre. The feature is possibly related to Frederic Knight's attempts at mineral extraction on Exmoor in the mid 19th Century. [1] The feature was recorded at 1:2500 scale using differential GPS equipment as part of an archaeological survey of the Larkbarrow area. The survey was carried out by the Exeter office of English Heritage at the request of the Exmoor National Park Authority. A client report was produced as part of the survey work and is available from the NMRC, Swindon. [2] A small quarry prospecting pit is visible on aerial photographs as an earthwork located on the north facing slopes of Swap Hill, immediately above Long Combe at circa SS 8136 4254. The visible earthwork is as described by the above authority with the exception that the spoil cannot clearly be seen on the available aerial photographs. The pit is one of six small quarries or mineral extractive pits visible on aerial photographs in this area. It is probable that more remain to be found. [3,4] The earthwork feature is depicted but not labelled on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map. [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> Unpublished document: JAMIESON, EJ. Field Investigators Comments.
  • <2> Report: Jamieson, E.. 2001. Larkbarrow Farm, Exmoor, Somerset.
  • <3> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR RAF 540/931 (F20) 3106-7 (8 November 1952).
  • <4> Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 84 SW. MD002184.
  • <5> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500.
  • <6> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1341567, Extant 14 July 2021.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MMO1233
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 84 SW166
  • National Park: Exmoor National Park
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1341567
  • Somerset SMR PRN: 15226

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 8136 4254 (14m by 11m) Aerial survey
Map sheet SS84SW
Civil Parish EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (7)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Jul 14 2021 3:17PM

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