MSO7974 - Post-medieval toll road in Porlock (Monument)

Summary

A 19th Century toll road, built for Mr Blathwayt in about 1840 at Porlock.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

A toll house at SS 8760 4670 was recorded in the Somerset SMR from documentary sources [1,2]. In about 1840 the Lord of the Manor, Mr Blathwayt, decided to build a new road as a scenic drive (rather than to avoid Porlock Hill - MEM22230). It begins above the Ship Inn and follows an easier gradient for 4.5 miles to Pitt Combe Head. It was dug out manually and a French engineer was employed. Pine trees were planted and still mark the line of the road. The toll is collected from houses built in 1924 (MEM22228). [3] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [4]

Sources/Archives (4)

  • <1> Verbal communication: Various. 1900-. Somerset County Council / South West Heritage Trust staff comments. J Hardwick, SCPD, 6 February 1978.
  • <2> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1962. 6 Inch Map: 1962. 1:10560. 1962.
  • <3> Monograph: Corner, Dennis. 1992. Porlock in Those Days. Exmoor Books. 47-49.
  • <4> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1127378, Extant 14 February 2022.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 84 NE35
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1127378
  • Somerset SMR PRN (Somerset): 33958

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 8625 4661 (4269m by 751m) MasterMap
Map sheet SS84NE
Civil Parish PORLOCK, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (2)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Feb 14 2022 3:00PM

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