MSO7671 - 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 approximately 28 metres by 12 metres and 2.7 metres high, with evidence of walling.

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Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

Centred at SS 92612 48244 is a flat topped earthen mound. It lies on open moorland immediately south of enclosed farmland. It measures approximately 28 metres by 12 metres and is 2.7 metres high, although precise measurements are difficult to obtain due to the dense gorse on the mound. The northern face of the mound has a length of concrete walling visible in it. It is 8.5 metres long and 0.7 metres high and has a projecting angle towards one end. The feature is associated with World War Two activity on North Hill and may be an observation post. [1] The mound referred to above [1] is visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs. The mound is centred at SS 9262 4824 and measures about 27 metres long by 13 metres wide and is as described in [1]. [2,3] An underground structure identified from 1946 aerial photographs at SS 9266 4821 with a large open front to the north. [2] Possibly visible from the air in 1993. [4] A large low mound covered in thick gorse. [5] This observation/target operating dugout seems to have a different plan to other visible dugouts on the range. The projecting front angle probably has slit windows, sealable with steel shutters, on each face of the projection, allowing a wider field of view to the east and west of the dugout. The dugout was probably part of the target layout for the battle practice range as it does not seem to fit in with the likely arcs of fire from either Range A or Range B. Similar dugouts, with triangular projections, exist at both of the former AFV ranges at Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire and Warcop, Cumbria. The dugout is probably intact beneath the mound. Site visit February 1998. [6]

Sources/Archives (7)

  • <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 Unpublished document: Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England.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: #46807 ]
  • <5> Aerial photograph: 1993. SCC Geonex Run 3. 85.
  • <6> Verbal communication: Various. 1900-. Somerset County Council / South West Heritage Trust staff comments. Chris Webster, SMR Officer, July 1998.
  • <7> Verbal communication: Various. 1900-. Somerset County Council / South West Heritage Trust staff comments. Adrian James, February 1998.

External Links (2)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MMO784
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO12334
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 NW120
  • National Park
  • National Trust HER Record: MNA167609
  • Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 1124640
  • Somerset SMR PRN (Somerset): 35522

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 92624 48243 (47m by 47m) (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

Mar 2 2021 1:32PM

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