MSO8575 - Post-medieval field system on Bye Common (Monument)

Summary

A field system is visible on aerial photographs taken in 1947 and 1971. It likely dates to the post-medieval period and contains large areas of narrow ridge and furrow.

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Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

Parallel banks forming trackway on Bye Common. Other banks form field boundaries with ploughing running north to south. [1-3] A field system of probable post-medieval date is visible on aerial photographs of the 1940s onwards as earthworks on Bye Common, Winsford parish, centred on circa SS 8818 3588. Along much of its route the longest boundary visible runs roughly west to east along the 345 metre contour. Abutting this boundary, several further field boundaries can be seen on the lower, steeper slopes to the north and northeast. Within the area defined by the long curved boundary, towards the summit of the hill, narrow ridge and furrow can be seen arrayed across the gentler upper slopes, orientated fanlike from northnorthwest and northnortheast. It is probable that these earthworks are evidence of a failed or abandoned enclosure attempt, possibly of 19th Century date. The parallel banks forming a trackway described by [1] could not be seen, and it is likely this interpretation arose from misinterpretation of the pathway as a second earthwork. A quarry has damaged the western end of the long field boundary, at circa SS 8772 3576. [4-8] The area is shown as unenclosed common on Winsford Tithe Map (plots 465, 466, 467) and is described as 'Bye Common' owned and occupied by Commoners in the Tithe Apportionment book. [9] The site remains unenclosed on the late 19th Century Ordnance Survey County Series 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. [10] It seems likley that the field system went out of use before the mid 19th Century. [11] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [12]

Sources/Archives (12)

  • <1> Survey: Western Archaeological Trust. 1980s. Exmoor Aerial Photograph Survey. 8735 and 8835 SCPD.
  • <2> Aerial photograph: Aerial photograph reference number . CPE/UK/1980 4351-4352 (11 April 1947).
  • <3> Aerial photograph: Aerial photograph reference number . SCPD HSL/UK/71-177 Run 87, 8631 and Run 89, 8661 (Sept 1971).
  • <4> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR RAF 106G/UK/1655 (F20) 4390-1 (11 July 1946).
  • <5> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR RAF 540/860 (F20) 3018-9 (2 September 1952).
  • <6> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. ENPA MAL/77014 083-4 EXMOOR 77 INFRA-RED (20 May 1977).
  • <7> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. NMR MAL 68039 165 (9 June 1968).
  • <8>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 83 NE. MD002192. [Mapped feature: #41679 ]
  • <9> Map: 1839. Winsford Tithe Map and Apportionment. plots 465, 466, 467.
  • <10> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1868-1901. County Series; 1st Edition 25 Inch Map. 1:2500.
  • <11> Verbal communication: Various. 1993-. Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Team staff comments. Shirley Blaylock, 16 October 2020.
  • <12> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 974614, Extant 13 September 2021.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MM0397
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO11693
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 83 NE48
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 974614
  • Somerset SMR PRN (Somerset): 34252

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 8821 3588 (1028m by 349m) Centred on
Map sheet SS83NE
Civil Parish WINSFORD, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Sep 13 2021 9:48PM

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