MSO8065 - Venn Farmstead (Monument)

Summary

Venn farmstead is said to have been shown on a map of 1812. A pronounced hollow way runs along the southern edge of Venn Plantation and the farmstead site may be represented by a densely overgrown uneven area in the plantation.

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Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

An 1812 map and survey records Venn as a deserted farm site. [1] "Venn Plantation" marked on map. [2] Not mentioned in Aston's list of deserted settlements. [3] Routine field reconnaissance failed to locate any coherent surface remains in the vicinity of Venn Plantation. The plantation itself has been replanted several times this century (local information). A footpath and pronounced hollow way runs along the southern edge of the plantation, and it appears that the most likely site of the farm is on the edge of this hollow way at SS 9281 4490 in an uneven area now densely overgrown. [4] The hollow way is not clearly visible on the available aerial photographs. Short lengths of relict field boundary are visible as low earthworks on aerial photographs at circa SS 9263 4478 and SS 9274 4479. While the former matches a boundary marked on the 1st Edition Ordnance survey map [6], the latter does not. Considered together these irregular curvilinear boundaries define a roughly circular field of approximately 2.3 hectares area, with the probable farmstead on its eastern side. It is the opinion of this authority that these boundaries define the former ring fenced infield for the deserted farmstead. The less coherent but still significant evidence of a somewhat uneven ground surface visible on the aerial photographs within this area may support the interpretation that this area was previously subdivided. [5-7] The Selworthy Tithe Map shows the area now occupied by Venn Plantation as a blank field. No trace of any farm buildings are marked on the map. [7]

Sources/Archives (8)

  • <1> Verbal communication: Various. 1900-. Somerset County Council / South West Heritage Trust staff comments. M Aston, 1 December 1977.
  • <2> Map: Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division. 1962. 6" SS94SW.
  • <3> Article in serial: Aston, M. 1983. Deserted Farms on Exmoor and the Lay subsidy of 1327 in West Somerset. Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeology and Natural History Society. 127. 99.
  • <4> Unpublished document: Wilson-North, R.. Field Investigators Comments. RCHME Field Investigation, 2 July 1997.
  • <5> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR RAF 58/5159 (F21) 179-80 (4 June 1962).
  • <6> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500.
  • <7>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 94 SW. MD002186. [Mapped feature: #39973 ]
  • <8> Map: 1841. Selworthy Tithe Map and Apportionment.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Coastal Risk 2014: Flood Zone 2 fluvial
  • Coastal Risk 2014: Flood Zone 3 fluvial
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MMO536
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO11587
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 SW53
  • National Park
  • Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 1086621
  • Somerset SMR PRN (Somerset): 33993

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 927 448 (257m by 195m)
Map sheet SS94SW
Civil Parish SELWORTHY, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Aug 12 2020 11:10AM

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