MSO6304 - Medieval farmstead at Huntsham (Monument)

Summary

A possible deserted medieval farmstead recorded from aerial photographs was later revealed to be drainage channels and a post-medieval sluice. It was most likely located further north, probably at Huntsham Cottage.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (5)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

Paul de Hunshamp is mentioned in the 1327 Lay Subsidy. [1] A possible deserted medieval farm is recorded from documentary and aerial photography. [2,3] 'Huntsham' is recorded on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map. [4] Low banks are visible on aerial photography, forming a trackway and small enclosures, southwest of Huntsham. This is a possible deserted farm. [5] Field investigation revealed two hollows, some 5 metres wide and 20 metres long, centred at SS 9515 4293, and interpreted as drainage channels. The field is very low lying and marshy, its northern edge is formed by the River Avill. A weir built of stone and river gravel lies at SS 9511 4294. Huntsham Farm (now Huntsham Cottage) lies to the north, on higher ground away from the floodplain of the river, and was probably the site mentioned in the 14th century documents. [6] The earthworks can be seen on several aerial photographs of the area and appear to be a post medieval drainage system, possibly associated with the water meadow visible to the south. [7,8]

Sources/Archives (9)

  • <1> Monograph: Dickenson, F.H.. 1889. Kirby's Quest for Somerset. Somerset Record Society. Series 3. P.245.
  • <2> Article in serial: Aston, M.. 1983. Deserted Farmsteads on Exmoor and the Lay Subsidy of 1327 in West Somerset. Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society. 127. P.103.
  • <3> Aerial photograph: Royal Air Force. 1946 -1948. Vertical Aerial Photography. CPE.UK.1980. 3197 (April 1947).
  • <4> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500. 1889, Somerset 34(16).
  • <5> Survey: Western Archaeological Trust. 1980s. Exmoor Aerial Photograph Survey. 9541.
  • <6> Unpublished document: Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England. Field Investigators Comment. RCHME Field Investigation, 1 July 1998.
  • <7> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR OS/70380 165-66. 23/09/1970.
  • <8> Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 94 SE. MD002187.
  • <9> Report: Milby, S.. 2010. Timberscombe to Wootton Courtenay, Exmoor, Somerset. P.1.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park Authority HER number: MSO6304
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MMO711
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO11790
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 SE79
  • National Park: Exmoor National Park
  • Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 1119632
  • Somerset SMR PRN: 34362

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 9515 4295 (148m by 148m) (Estimated from sources)
Map sheet SS94SE
Civil Parish WOOTTON COURTENAY, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Jan 15 2020 5:02PM

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