MSO8069 - Possible medieval or World War two rectangular enclosure west of Selworthy Beacon (Monument)

Summary

A rectangular enclosure that was noted on aerial photographs could not be found during field investigation in 1998. It may relate to World War Two military training or be part of the medieval field system to the north.

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Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

Full Description

Rectangular enclosure seen on false colour infra red aerial photographs. [1,2] The site was investigated as part of the RCHME Exmoor survey. No field remains were visible at the National Grid Reference given. The area is smothered with thick, tall gorse. [3] Nothing obvious on the ground in 1998. There are various patches of vegetation in the area which may form or indicate the 'enclosure'. [4] The rectangular enclosure referred to above [1-3] is visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs. The enclosure is centred at SS 9146 4802 and encloses an area that measures 43 metres long by 30 metres wide. The enclosure is defined by a ditch measuring about 2.5 metres in width though northern side appears to be narrower. The enclosure is barely seen on photographs taken in 1946 as the area is obscured by tank tracks from training carried out here during the Second World War (MSO8096). The enclosure may be related to Second World War military activity but the earthwork seems to predate this and may be part of the medieval field system still extant further to the north recorded as MSO8075. [5-8]

Sources/Archives (8)

  • <1> Aerial photograph: Meridian Air Maps. 1981. Infrared False Colour Aerial Photography. 2624.
  • <2> Survey: Western Archaeological Trust. 1980s. Exmoor Aerial Photograph Survey. 9148.
  • <3> Unpublished document: Riley, H.. Field Investigators Comments. RCHME Field Investigation, 1998.
  • <4> Unassigned: Webster, Chris. July 1998. Comments from SMRO.
  • <5> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF/106G/UK/1655 3015-3016 (11 July 1946).
  • <6> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF/82/860 006-007 (23 February 1954).
  • <7> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR OS/76047 230 (25 June 1976).
  • <8>XY Archive: Severn Estuary Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment: SS 94 NW. MD000133. [Mapped feature: #40008 ]

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MMO690
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO11600
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 NW44
  • Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 1119175
  • Somerset SMR PRN (Somerset): 34006

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 9145 4802 (64m by 55m)
Map sheet SS94NW
Civil Parish SELWORTHY, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Nov 4 2020 4:38PM

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