MSO9089 - Prehistoric or medieval field boundary east of the outwork of Bat's Castle (Monument)

Summary

A rectangular soilmark close to the outwork of Bat's Castle, noted on aerial photographs, appears to show the location of a field boundary predating Dunster Park, and possibly the medeval deer park.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (3)

Protected Status

Full Description

A rectangular soilmark is visible on aerial photography at SS 9901 4200. One side is traceable as a small ditch 0.2 metres deep. [1,2] This is probably a medieval or later field. [3] A soil mark, southeast of Bats Castle showing a bank and ditch is visible on aerial photography. It is possibly a large square enclosure. [1,4,5] This joins to the linear earthwork (MSO9083) and may be associated. [6] Nothing can be seen on the ground. [7] The area in question, immediately to the east of the outwork at Bat's Castle, has been recently scarified to encourage heather growth and no such feature is discernible. [9] A rectangular soilmark is clearly visible on aerial photographs, east of the outwork of Bat's Castle. Centred at approximately SS 9901 4200, the soilmark appears to show the location of a field boundary defined by a narrow bank surrounded by a ditch on both sides. The boundary defines two sides of a rectangular enclosure measuring 78 metres long by 55 metres wide. The enclosure presumably predates the creation in the 18th Century of the post-medieval Dunster Park, and possibly predates the medieval deer park, first recorded in 1279. Given the concentration of later prehistoric material and monuments in this area, the possibility of a prehistoric date cannot be ruled out. [10-11]

Sources/Archives (11)

  • <1> Aerial photograph: Royal Air Force. 1946 -1948. Vertical Aerial Photography. RAF CPE/UK/1980 3016-7, 3190. 11/041947.
  • <2> Verbal communication: Various. Various. Oral Information. LV Grinsell, City Museum, Bristol.
  • <3> Unpublished document: PALMER, JP. Field Investigators Comments. Ordnance Survey visit, 1 September 1965.
  • <4> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. CPE/UK/1980 3190 (April 1947).
  • <5> Unpublished document: McDonnell, R.. 1980. Gazetteer of Sites in the Exmoor National Park Identified through Aerial Photography. SS9941C and SS9942.
  • <6> Verbal communication: Various. 1900-. Somerset County Council staff comments. E Dennison, 2 July 1984.
  • <7> Verbal communication: Various. 1900-. Somerset County Council staff comments. E Dennison, site visit 3 March 1989.
  • <8> Article in serial: Dixon, J.. 1980. Somerset Parish Survey 3: Carhampton. Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society. 15.
  • <9> Unpublished document: Riley, H.. Field Investigators Comments. RCHME Field Investigation, 1998.
  • <10> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF CPE/UK/1980 4217-18 (11 April 1947).
  • <11>XY Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 94 SE. MD002187. [Mapped feature: #42369 ]

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MMO226
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO11138
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 SE36
  • National Park: Exmoor National Park
  • Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 36937
  • Somerset SMR PRN: 33445

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 9910 4198 (91m by 81m) (Estimated from sources)
Map sheet SS94SE
Civil Parish CARHAMPTON, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (2)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Jan 8 2020 1:14PM

Feedback?

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