Location
The PAL lies on the western edge of Horner Wood, partly within the woodland and partly within open moorland to the west.
Description of Archaeology
The PAL comprises a deserted medieval settlement of seven buildings lying close to the head of Rey Combe. The site was excavated by the National Trust in the 1990s. Southwards from the settlement is an extensive contemporary field system consisting of two bundles of strip lynchets within the woodland area. On the moorland slopes to the west are traces of an outfield system of low banks forming irregular fields. At the extreme south of the PAL is an Iron Age enclosure occupying a spur end.
Principal significance
Ley Hill is unusual on Exmoor, being one of only a few major sites of its type. Its value is increased by its well preserved state (not only the remains of buildings, but field systems also) and its ability to provide evidence for the nature of medieval farming on Exmoor. It is one of only two sites where an infield outfield system is preserved as earthworks. The significance of the PAL is further increased as the only medieval settlement on Exmoor to have undergone archaeological excavation (currently unpublished).