MSO9113 - Late prehistoric or medieval field system north of Withies Brake (Monument)

Banks forming three sides of a large square enclosure were noted on aerial photograph. [1,2] Examination of these and a further photograph dating from 1970 [3] suggests that the feature is caused by vegetation marks. The area in question now lies in dense coniferous plantation. [1-3] Several probable medieval field boundaries and/or lynchets are visible as low banks and soil marks on aerial photographs on the slopes north of Withies Brake, Carhampton. The boundaries appear to form rectangular enclosures measuring an average of 100 metres long by 60 metres wide. The banks and soil marks themselves measure up to 10 metres wide, but it is likely that the width has been exaggerated by soil slippage down the slope. They are visible over an area of 8 hectares, stretching across the south facing slope between Withies Brake and Withycombe Hill Gate. The irregular and slightly curved banks presumably predate the Deer Park at Dunster in which they lie, which was first described in 1279. They are somewhat similar to the banks of the late prehistoric field system at Withycombe Hill (MSO8633) and given the concentration of prehistoric activity in this area, a later prehistoric date cannot be ruled out. [4-6]