MSO8187 - Post-medieval fishponds in Pond Wood (Monument)

Summary

Fishponds forming part of the post-medieval landscaping around Combe Sydenham. Local tradition advises that they were constructed and worked by Sir Francis Drake.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

A chain of fishponds are located in the valley to the southwest of Combe Sydenham, marked 'Fishponds' on the 1962 Ordnance Survey map. The water eventually powers the mill (ST 03 NE 49) at Combe Sydenham. [1,2] Four ponds are shown at ST 0640 3607, ST 0660 3609, ST 0730 3610 and ST 0740 3620. They are linked by a leat with weirs. [3] Local tradition says that they were constructed and worked by Sir Francis Drake. There is an irrigation scheme on the slope to the north. [4] The 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map shows a chain of seven ponds in Pond Wood. [5] The 2nd Edition Ordnance Survey map shows a chain of five ponds in Pond Wood, between ST 0640 3607 and ST 0700 3601, with two others nearer the manor. [6] Most of the fish ponds do not appear on the Stogumber Tithe Map. Instead, there is a large island divided between two land parcels, between c. ST 0664 3606 and c. ST 0711 3601. A pond exists to the east of the land parcels, which seems to have been extended to form two of the fish ponds shown on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map. The stream joins the river at c. ST 0747 3635. [7]

Sources/Archives (7)

  • <1> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1962. 6 Inch Map: 1962. 1:10560. Sheet ST03NE.
  • <2> Unpublished document: Riley, H.. Field Investigators Comments. 1999.
  • <3> Verbal communication: Various. Various. Oral Information. E Dennison, Somerset County Council.
  • <4> Verbal communication: Various. Various. Oral Information. M Aston, Somerset County Council.
  • <5> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500.
  • <6> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1902-1907. County Series, 2nd Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500. Sheet 48 (13).
  • <7> Map: Standidge & Co, London. 1842. Stogumber Tithe Map and Apportionment.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: ST 03 NE50
  • National Park: Exmoor
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 975289
  • Somerset SMR PRN (Somerset): 34029

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred ST 0688 3613 (1106m by 236m) (7 map features)
Map sheet ST03NE
Civil Parish STOGUMBER, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (2)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Nov 1 2021 1:41PM

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