MSO11442 - Bratton Mill Pond (Monument)

Summary

The mill was first documented in around 1279 and appears to have gone out of use after 1700. It is situated outside the National Park; however, one of the two large mill ponds is just within the boundary.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

First mentioned in c1279 when it was already well established and again in 1349 and 1507. Mill appears to have failed soon after 1700. [1] Situated in a field called "Mill Meadow". Two large mill ponds visible, now marsh. Dry leat partly built up with stone work. Silted wheel pit. Had overshot wheel of about 14 feet by 3 feet. Gudgeon from axle in situ. No trace of mill buildings except wall to side of wheel pit. [2] Road called Bratton Mill Lane on 1904 Ordnance Survey map running between Bratton and Woodcombe. [3] There is a building shown on the modern Ordnance Survey at SS 9470 4617 called "Bratton Mill" but this is not shown on the earlier maps and appears to be a modern house using the name. The lane is now much shorter and only reaches this house. [4] "Bratton Mill (Ruin)" is labelled on the 25 inch 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map at SS 9511 4620. [5] The mill is shown on the Tithe Map and labelled 745 (described as "Bratton Mill etc". One of the associated ponds upstream is shown at SS 9496 4619 and is labelled 751a ("Mill Pond etc"). The complex was owned by the Earl of Lovelance and occupied by William Tucker. [6] The mill complex is outside the National Park boundary and is recorded on the Somerset HER as PRN 33816 (see External Links below); however, the mill pond at SS 9496 4619 is just within the Park boundary. [7,8]

Sources/Archives (8)

  • <1> Article in serial: Osborn, B.. 1983. Parish surveys in Somerset five: Minehead Without. Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society. 5. 29-30.
  • <2> Unpublished document: Somerset County Council. Various. Somerset HER parish files - Exmoor records. D Warren, Somerset Industrial Archaeology Society, 2 December 1977.
  • <3> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1902-1907. County Series, 2nd Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500. 1904, 34(8).
  • <4> Verbal communication: Various. 1900-. Somerset County Council / South West Heritage Trust staff comments. Chris Webster, 10 November 2003.
  • <5>XY Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500. [Mapped feature: #46818 ]
  • <6> Map: 1843. Minehead Tithe Map and Apportionment. Land parcels 745, 751a.
  • <7> Archive: South West Heritage Trust. 1977-. Somerset Historic Environment Record. PRN 33816.
  • <8> Verbal communication: Various. 1993-. Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Team staff comments. Catherine Dove, 18 November 2020.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO7643
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 NW46
  • National Park: Exmoor National Park
  • Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 1119011
  • Somerset SMR PRN: 33816

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 9495 4618 (67m by 29m)
Map sheet SS94NW
Historic Parish MINEHEAD
Civil Parish MINEHEAD WITHOUT, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (0)

Record last edited

Nov 18 2020 5:15PM

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