MSO7669 - 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 23 metres by 20 metres and 1.8 metres high, with evidence of walling.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

Centred at SS 92879 48146 is a flat topped earthen mound. It measures 23 metres by 20 metres and is 1.8 metres high. On its northern side is a `staple-shaped' revetment wall (ie a length of wall with short returns at either end). It is 8.8 metres long and 0.8 metres high, with returns 1.3 metres long. Some pieces of concrete are visible on the northeastern side of the mound. This feature is best interpreted as an observation post, associated with the World War Two tank training ranges on North Hill. [1] The mound referred to above [1] is visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs. The mound is centred at SS 9287 4814 and measures about 29 metres long by 17 metres wide and is as described above. [2-4] A bunker is visible on the 1946 aerial photographs at SS 9289 4815. Concrete structures are visible on the top. [2] This is an observation/target dugout associated with the firing track of Range A (MSO7678) or (more likely) the battle practice range, where tanks would engage targets in this area firing from a point to the west of Range A firing track. One of the stop points for part of the battle practice run was about 150 metres southwest of this dugout. This dugout is probably intact beneath its burial mound as there is little sign of demolition by explosive. [5]

Sources/Archives (5)

  • <1> Unpublished document: Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England. Field Investigators Comment. RCHME Field Investigation, 26 February 1998.
  • <2> Aerial photograph: July 1946. RAF 106G\UK\1655 4005 to 4013.
  • <3> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR OS/79013 162-163 (17 April 1979).
  • <4>XY Archive: Severn Estuary Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment: SS 94 NW. MD000133. [Mapped feature: #46809 ]
  • <5> Verbal communication: Various. 1900-. Somerset County Council / South West Heritage Trust staff comments. Adrian James, Site visit report, 16 February 1998.

External Links (2)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MMO782
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO12604
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 NW118
  • National Park
  • National Trust HER Record: MNA167607
  • Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 1124609
  • Somerset SMR PRN: 35815

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 92882 48147 (52m by 52m) (Aerial survey)
Map sheet SS94NW
Civil Parish MINEHEAD WITHOUT, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (5)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Nov 16 2020 4:25PM

Feedback?

Your feedback is welcome. If you can provide any new information about this record, please contact us.