MSO7625 - World War Two observation post west of Selworthy Beacon (Monument)

Summary

The remains of an observation post, visible as a grass covered mound and associated with the World War Two tank training ranges in the area. It was previously thought to have been a barrow.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

Full Description

SS 9160 4805. Possible ancient mound on the boundary between the moor and fields, which was constructed to go around the North side of the mound. Fourteen paces by ten paces. [1] The remains of an observation post lie on the edge of enclosure west of Selworthy Beacon at SS 9170 4808. The site was surveyed using differential GPS as part of the RCHME Exmoor project. The remains comprise a grass covered mound, 30 by 20 by 2.5 metres high. No structural features are visible. The observation post functioned as part of the World War Two tank training ranges in the area. [2] The observation post referred to above is visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs. The post is centred at SS 9170 4808 and is defined by a large built up mound which measures 40 metres long by 17 metres wide and is orientated northeast to southwest. A rectangular concrete structure can be seen in the north side of the mound at SS 9168 4808. The structure meausures 4 metres east to west by 5 metres north to south and is probably remaining walls of the post itself. [3,4] An underground structure identified from 1949 aerial photographs possibly visible in 1993. [4] Probably an observation/target operating dugout associated with the battle practice range. This dugout is not within the likely arcs of fire for Range B or Range C. [5]

Sources/Archives (6)

  • <1> Article in serial: Osborn, B.. 1983. Parish surveys in Somerset five: Minehead Without. Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society. 5. 21.
  • <2> Unpublished document: Riley, H.. Field Investigators Comments. RCHME Field Investigation.
  • <3> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF/106G/UK/1655 4011-4010 (11 July 1946).
  • <4>XY Archive: Severn Estuary Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment: SS 94 NW. MD000133. [Mapped feature: #46822 ]
  • <5> Aerial photograph: Geonex. 1993. Aerial photographs, Run 3. Geonex. Run 3. 85.
  • <6> Verbal communication: Various. 1900-. Somerset County Council / South West Heritage Trust staff comments. Adrian James, 7 June 2006.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MMO282
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO12338
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO12425
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 NW70
  • Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 866928
  • Somerset SMR PRN: 35526
  • Somerset SMR PRN: 35625

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 9169 4808 (54m by 54m) (Centred on)
Map sheet SS94NW
Civil Parish MINEHEAD WITHOUT, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Nov 25 2020 9:13AM

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