MSO11143 - Medieval or post-medieval trackway at Ashway Side (Monument)

Summary

The trackway is visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs and runs for 672 metres.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

The more westerly of two fairly deep trackways on the north side of Ashway Side. It has associated terracing. [1,2] It may be connected with the field system nearby (MSO9342). Formerly contained MSO12566. [3] At least two deeply incised trackways of possible medieval or post-medieval origin are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks on the north-facing slopes of Ashway Side. The western, or lower trackway is centred on circa SS 8728 3214 and it is visible for circa 672 metres. The trackway is visible largely as an eroded negative earthwork, although short lengths of bank may represent periods of maintenance or formalisation of the route in places. It may be connected to the extensive relict field system to the east, although it is unclear from the aerial photographs alone whether the track cuts or respects an area of ridge and furrow thought to be contemporary with it, centred on circa SS 8734 3191. Shorter erosion gullies visible throughout this area may be evidence for additional routes across Ashway Side. [4-7] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [8]

Sources/Archives (8)

  • <1> Survey: Western Archaeological Trust. 1980s. Exmoor Aerial Photograph Survey. 8732.
  • <2> Aerial photograph: May 1977. ENP MAM IRFC. 12,067.
  • <3> Verbal communication: Various. 1900-. Somerset County Council / South West Heritage Trust staff comments. Ed Dennison, Somerset County Council, 21 June 1984.
  • <4> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR RAF CPE/UK/2082 3036-7 (19 May 1947).
  • <5> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR RAF 540/890 (F20) 3029-30 (3 October 1952).
  • <6> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR RAF 543/2821(F62) 0265-7 (27 April 1964).
  • <7>XY Archive: English Heritage. 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 83 SE. MD002198. [Mapped feature: #47164 ]
  • <8> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 932867, Extant 1 February 2022.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MMO355
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO9339
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 83 SE25
  • National Park: Exmoor National Park
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 932867
  • Somerset SMR PRN: 33472

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 8729 3201 (397m by 510m)
Map sheet SS83SE
Civil Parish DULVERTON, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Feb 1 2022 2:47PM

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