MSO10173 - 19th Century prospecting pit west of Larkbarrow (Monument)

Summary

A trench with a spoil mound along its western edge may be related to Knight's mineral prospection of the area in the mid 1850s.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

The earthwork remains of a mineral prospecting trench, SS 8151 4316, lie 500 metres to the northwest of Larkbarrow farmhouse, in rough grassland at about 400 metres above Ordnance Datum. The feature consists of a trench, 2.7 metres wide and 1.4 metres deep, with a spoil mound, 1.1 metres high, running the length of its western edge. The trench is most probably 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 as part of an archaeological survey of the Larkbarrow area. The survey was undertaken 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] The feature is marked on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map as an earthwork but is not labelled. [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]

Sources/Archives (4)

  • <1> Unpublished document: JAMIESON, EJ. Field Investigators Comments. English Heritage Field Investigation, 2001.
  • <2> Report: Jamieson, E.. 2001. Larkbarrow Farm, Exmoor, Somerset. English Heritage.
  • <3> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1854-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500.
  • <4> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1343926, Updated 17 March 2022.

External Links (0)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 84 SW179
  • National Park: Exmoor National Park
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1343926
  • Somerset SMR PRN: 15239

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 8151 4316 (15m by 19m) Historic mapping
Map sheet SS84SW
Civil Parish EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Mar 17 2022 2:35PM

Feedback?

Your feedback is welcome. If you can provide any new information about this record, please contact us.