MSO10920 - Prehistoric or post-medieval mound east of Elsworthy (Monument)

An earthern mound identified during a field visit in 1962 has been variously suggested to be a prehistoric barrow or cairn, but may also be a post-medieval clearance mound, a spoil heap or a material dump for nearby features.

SS 8212 4162. Bowl barrow (Exmoor 8), 8 paces diameter and 1 foot high. Found by Grinsell 24th April 1962 after heath had been swaled. [1] A grass covered mound that may be a small bowl barrow or alternatively, a spoil heap. It is within 15 metres of 19th Century features, near field walls and and it is possible that it is the remains of a heap of material collected to build these features. It may also be a spoil heap from nearby mining activity. 0.4 metres high. (see GPs AO/65/138/1 & 2). Surveyed at 1:2500. [2] Circular irregular mound possibly quarried into at the centre. 0.5 metres high and 9 paces in diameter. Likely to be a cairn or clearance mound. [3] The possible barrow at SS 821 416 was recorded in the field. It is a circular but irregular mound, possibly quarried into at the centre and southeastern side, and is approximately 9.0 metres diameter and 0.5 metres high. [4] One of three predominantly earthen mounds to the west of Larkbarrow Corner (see also MSO10920 and MSO10921). A lobe shaped earthen mound measuring 6.2 metres north to south by 8.5 metres; it is 0.4 metres high. The summit of the mound has been robbed. The size and largely earthen construction suggests that this is probably of post-medieval date. It is most likely to be either connected with agricultural improvement or with the proposed Porlock-Simonsbath Railway (MSO7906). [6] The mound is not depicted on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map but is shown on modern MasterMap data. [7,8] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [9]