MSO8327 - Possible bowling green east of Timberscombe (Monument)

Summary

A bowling green is marked on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map and is visible as low banks on aerial photographs taken in 1947. Mapping evidence suggests the feature originated as a group of gardens.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

"Bowling Green" is marked on the 6 inch map of 1962 and shown as a square enclosure. [1] Low banks have been noted on aerial photographs. [2,3] A square enclosure, most likely post-medieval, on Timberscombe Common is depicted on both the 1st Edition and modern Ordnance Survey maps, and annotated "Bowling Green." Centred at approximately SS 9647 4206, the enclosure measures 115 metres long by 85 metres high. It lies next to the main pathway from Timberscombe across the common. Several low banks are also visible on aerial photographs in the immediate vicinity, but do not appear to form a coherent pattern. They are mostly concentrated south of the enclosure, varying in length from 10 metres to 100 metres, and up to 6 metres in width. The banks may represent a medieval or post-medieval attempt to enclose the common, but this is not certain. The square enclosure lies on a slope and is shown as afforested on both maps; it is therefore unlikely to be a bowling green in the true sense. However, its precise function remains unclear. [4-6] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [7] The feature is shown on the Tithe Maps for Timberscombe and Carhampton Parish. It is subdivided into three sections, roughly east to west. The northernmost part is within Carhampton Parish and is labelled 1081a, which is described as "Inclosure from Kitswall Common". The southern two sections are within Timberscombe and are labelled 369 and 370; these are both labelled "Garden on the Hill". [8,9]

Sources/Archives (9)

  • <1> Map: Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division. 1962. 6" SS94SE.
  • <2> Aerial photograph: 1947. LHL CPE/UK/1980. 3794.
  • <3> Survey: Western Archaeological Trust. 1980s. Exmoor Aerial Photograph Survey. 3642.
  • <4>XY Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500. 1889. [Mapped feature: #40014 ]
  • <5> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF 58/2665 (F22) 0074-75 08-JAN-1959.
  • <6>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 94 SE. MD002187. [Mapped features: #44607 ; #44608 ; #44609 ; #44610 ]
  • <7> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1119503, Extant 7 March 2022.
  • <8> Map: 1840. Carhampton Tithe Map and Apportionment. Land parcel 1081a.
  • <9> Map: 1843. Timberscombe Parish Tithe Map and Apportionment. Land parcels 369 and 370.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MMO701
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO11620
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 SE64
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1119503
  • Somerset SMR PRN (Somerset): 34120

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 9642 4201 (274m by 252m) (5 map features)
Map sheet SS94SE
Historic Parish CARHAMPTON
Historic Parish TIMBERSCOMBE
Civil Parish TIMBERSCOMBE, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Mar 7 2022 10:56AM

Feedback?

Your feedback is welcome. If you can provide any new information about this record, please contact us.