MSO7004 - Post-medieval water meadow east of Cornham Farm (Monument)

SS 749 393. A water meadow was noted on aerial photographs to the east of Cornham Farm. [1,2] A few leats are marked on the Ordnance Survey maps, one extending from the Pinkworthy canal (MSO6847). [3-5] SS 749 393. The area of pasture fields round Cornham Farm perambulated but apart from a, now dry, hedgeside leat coming in from the north no evidence of a water meadow system was found. [6] No trace of a water meadow system was visible on the aerial photographs examined as part of the Exmoor National Park National Mapping Project in 2008. The leat described above, however, is clearly visible on numerous photographs, running from SS 7494 3924 to SS 7495 3895, a total distance of 286 metres. This leat appears slightly more substantial than those usually associated with Exmoor water meadow systems, and may have been used for drainage as opposed to irrigation. [7,8] The leat, which is shown on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map, appears to be a continuation of MMO2160. It travels south to Cornham Farmyard before continuing onwards by the route mapped through the National Mapping Project. GIS mapping amended accordingly. [3,9] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [10]