MSO7667 - World War Two observation post on North Hill (Monument)

Summary

An earthen mound, probably an observation post associated with World War Two tank training on North Hill. It measures 37 metres by 28 metres and 3.9 metres high, and is topped by mortared stone walling.

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Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

An underground structure identified from 1946 aerial photographs with two structures visible on the top. One appears to be a rectangular pit, the other a similar shaped area of concrete. [1] Possibly still visible in 1993. [2] Centred at SS 93455 48199 is a substantial flat topped earthen mound. It is overgrown with gorse and is difficult to observe, nevertheless it measures 37 metres by 28 metres and stands to 3.9 metres high. On its summit is a 5.3 metres length of mortared stone walling just visible through the turf. At each end this walling returns for about 2 metres before continuing as slight earthen banks, which become lost in the gorse. To the south is a stony bank 6 metres long and 0.6 metres high.This feature is best interpreted as an observation post, probably associated with the World War Two tank training ranges on North Hill. [3] The mound is visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs. The mound is centred at SS 9345 4819 and measures about 32 metres long by 16 metres wide. A structure on the north side was probably the observation post for the adjacent target railway (MSO7665). [1,4-6] This site was not visited, but it is likely to be an observation/target operating dugout for Range A, associated with the firing triangle at MSO7678. The rectangular pit described above tends to indicate that this might be a pull-up target dugout, similar to those to the west of both Range A and Range B moving targets. [7]

Sources/Archives (7)

  • <1> Aerial photograph: July 1946. RAF 106G\UK\1655 4005 to 4013. RAF/106G/UK/1655 4010-4011 (11 July 1946).
  • <2> Aerial photograph: 1993. SCC Geonex Run 3. 85.
  • <3> Unpublished document: Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England. Field Investigators Comment. RCHME Field Investigation, 26 Feb 1998.
  • <4> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR OS/79013 163-164 (17 April 1979).
  • <5> Verbal communication: Dickson, Amanda D. 2007-2009. RCHME/EH Aerial Photographers Comment (Severn Estuary NMP).
  • <6>XY Archive: Severn Estuary Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment: SS 94 NW. MD000133. [Mapped feature: #46811 ]
  • <7> Verbal communication: Various. 1900-. Somerset County Council / South West Heritage Trust staff comments. Adrian James, 7 June 2006.

External Links (2)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MMO780
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO12337
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 NW116
  • National Park
  • National Trust HER Record: MNA167604
  • Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 1124600
  • Somerset SMR PRN (Somerset): 35525

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 93465 48208 (56m by 55m) (Aerial survey)
Map sheet SS94NW
Civil Parish MINEHEAD WITHOUT, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (7)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Nov 16 2020 4:34PM

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