MSO8093 - Possible 20th Century stone mound north of target railway B (Monument)

Summary

A stony mound has been noted on aerial photographs. It is probably a modern clearance dump but may also be associated with local World War Two training activities.

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Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

Full Description

A structure visible on 1993 aerial photographs at SS 9216 4867, is similar to MSO8088 and is probably another bunker. [1] Nothing is visible at this location on 1946 aerial photographs. [2] Centred at SS 92120 48702 is a stony mound with spreads of surface stone around. These are clearly modern stone dumps from agricultural improvement. The above description of an underground bunker in the area of the National Grid Reference could not be attested on the ground, and it may be that the stone heaps have been mistaken for a World War Two site. [3] The possible mound referred to above [3] is not visible on the available aerial photography and therefore adds weight to the interpretation of a modern clearance mound. [4,5] As well as a stone clearance heap it is possible that this could relate to the tank range and be one of several things: a) A stone dump for use in the construction of dugouts. b) The remains of the protective bank for a pull up target that would have been operated by cable from a nearby dugout. c) The remains of a "mover hide". These were banks, behind which moving targets on sledges were hidden prior to being exposed to the tank gunners during battle practices. Some times these banks had pits behind them to further conceal targets. [6]

Sources/Archives (6)

  • <1> Aerial photograph: 1993. SCC Geonex Run 3. 85.
  • <2> Aerial photograph: July 1946. RAF 106G\UK\1655 4005 to 4013.
  • <3>XY Unpublished document: Wilson-North, R.. Field Investigators Comments. RCHME Field Investigation, 7 April 1998. [Mapped feature: #46789 ]
  • <4> Verbal communication: Dickson, Amanda D. 2007-2009. RCHME/EH Aerial Photographers Comment (Severn Estuary NMP).
  • <5> Archive: Severn Estuary Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment: SS 94 NW. MD000133.
  • <6> Verbal communication: Various. 1900-. Somerset County Council / South West Heritage Trust staff comments. Adrian James, 19 June 2006.

External Links (2)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MMO829
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO12332
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 NW136
  • National Park
  • National Trust HER Record: MNA167629
  • Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 1131105
  • Somerset SMR PRN (Somerset): 35520

Map

Location

Grid reference SS 92120 48702 (point) (Estimated from sources)
Map sheet SS94NW
Civil Parish SELWORTHY, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Nov 2 2020 10:32PM

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