MSO7954 - Post-medieval peat cutting on Porlock Common (Monument)

Summary

Post-medieval peat cutting activity is visible on aerial photographs taken in 1952 as earthworks. Mounds are visible in the cuttings, one of which is a large sub circular mound.

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Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

A sub circular mound lies on Porlock Common to the west of the course of the Porlock Railway (MSO7906) at SS 84312 46076. The mound measures 3 metres north to south, 4 metres east to west and is 0.75 metres high. It lies in an area of peat cutting and general disturbance and is a product of this activity. The mound was surveyed using GPS as part of the RCHME East Exmoor Project. [1] A large area of disturbed ground is visible on aerial photographs, consisting of several irregular cuts and mounds. The large sub circular mound mentioned above is in the centre of this area (represented by point data in addition to the wider polygon denoting the area of visible peat cutting activity). It appears to be the remains of post-medieval peat cutting activity. Similar activity can be seen elswehere on Porlock Common. [2, 3] A study of the archaeology and history of peat exploitation on Exmoor’s moorlands provides additional background on the practice and sites. [4] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [5]

Sources/Archives (5)

  • <1>XY Unpublished document: Riley, H.. Field Investigators Comments. RCHME Field Investigation, 19 August 1997. [Mapped feature: #46933 ]
  • <2> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF 540/910 4122 (17 October 1952).
  • <3>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 84 NW. MD002166. [Mapped feature: #46932 ]
  • <4> Report: Riley, H.. 2014. Turf Cutting on Exmoor: An archaeological and historical study - project report.
  • <5> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1090883, Extant 22 February 2022.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MMO579
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO12731
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 84 NW50
  • National Park: Exmoor National Park
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1090883
  • Somerset SMR PRN: 57156

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 84305 46078 (146m by 109m) (2 map features)
Map sheet SS84NW
Civil Parish PORLOCK, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Feb 22 2022 3:52PM

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