MSO9085 - Medieval or post-medieval hollow ways or packhorse ways near Bat's Castle (Monument)

Summary

A series of hollow ways or packhorse ways visible as earthworks near Bat's Castle in Dunster Park. They appear to pre-date the deer park and probably went out of use with the emparking in 1755. They average 3 metres wide and 0.8 metres deep.

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Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

Full Description

[SS 9931 4214] Earthworks [NR] [1] Facing Bat's Castle and commanding the combe running south-west from it is a line of two shallow trenches about 100 yards long cut in the hillside, one about 15-18ft. above the other. In all probability these are trenches made during the investment of the Castle at the time of the Civil War. [2] These "earthworks" appear to be nothing more than parallel hollow ways. They certainly pre-date the deer park in which they are situated, and probably went out of use with the emparking in 1755. [3] Additional bibliography. [4] A series of hollow ways or packhorse ways averaging 3 metres across and 0.8 metres deep. [5] The hollow ways or packhorse roads described above are clearly visible on aerial photographs. They are very similar to packhorse roads seen elsewhere on Exmoor, such as those around the boundaries of the former Royal Forest (see MMO495). [6-7] The earthworks were noted by McDonnell as part of a complex of banks and ditches in Dunster Park forming trackways and parts of rectangular enclosures. Some of the curving banks are likely to be the edges of bracken patches (many haven't been plotted). N.B. The GIS information for this record has not been updated to reflect the McDonnell data, as it is not clear if the enclosures are of the same date. [8-11]

Sources/Archives (11)

  • <1> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1962. 6 Inch Map: 1962. 1:10560.
  • <2> Monograph: Page, W. (editor). 1911. The Victoria History of the County of Somerset. Archibald Constable and Company, Limited (London). 2. 523.
  • <3> Unpublished document: PITCHER, GHP. Field Investigators Comments. Ordnance Survey visit, 20 June 1965.
  • <4> Article in serial: Dixon, J.. 1980. Somerset Parish Survey 3: Carhampton. Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society. 15.
  • <5> Unpublished document: Wilson-North, R.. Field Investigators Comments. RCHME Field Investigation, 4 April 1998.
  • <6> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF CPE/UK/1980 3190-91 (11 April 1947).
  • <7>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 94 SE. MD002187. [Mapped feature: #39902 ]
  • <8> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. CEP/UK/1980 3017 (April 1947).
  • <9> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. HSL/UK/71-177 99/8804 (September 1971).
  • <10> Unpublished document: McDonnell, R.. 1980. Gazetteer of Sites in the Exmoor National Park Identified through Aerial Photography.
  • <11> Verbal communication: Various. 1999-. Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Team staff comments. Catherine Dove, 8 January 2020.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MMO221
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO11137
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 SE20
  • Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 36905
  • Somerset SMR PRN (Somerset): 33444

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 9935 4215 (140m by 189m)
Map sheet SS94SE
Civil Parish CARHAMPTON, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Jan 8 2020 4:23PM

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