Local List: Tom's Hill Farm, Great Tom's Hill

Authority Exmoor National Park Authority
Date assigned 21 February 2024
Date last amended
Date revoked
This model farm was built by the Knight family in 1850, at a cost of £512, with 300 acres of land. In the 1860s shepherds and their families lived in the farm, as they had been brought from Scotland by Frederic Knight. It was requisitioned in the 1940s as part of an artillery range and used for target practice. There are three ranges of buildings grouped around a yard, open on the southern side. The eastern range is composed of mortared walls, 1.5 metres high, with some surviving roof timbers and posts supporting internal divisions. It measures 27 paces by 7 paces. The northern range was the farmhouse, but has been shelled rather than allowed to decay. Remains include roof timbers and black glazed ridge tiles, but appears as a mound of rubble. The western range is best preserved with walls up to 3.5 metres high with a porch remaining (in 1982). The internal divisions can be seen, and the range measures 27 paces by 7 paces. Age: Moderate. Of its time. Rarity: not uncommon to find ruined 19th century farm but less common to have association with Knight estate. Distinctive Design: similar in design to other Knight farms on Exmoor with house at one end of courtyard of outbuildings. Historical Association: Known occupants and links to Knights. Evidential Value: evidence for internal floors, fittings and function and potentially artifacts may survive. Social Communal Value: well known site on Exmoor. Located on well used public footpath. Group Value: Associated with WWII firing range and associated impact features and contemporary farming landscape e.g. contour leats. Larkbarrow is closest associated structure. Collective Value: with other buildings on the Knight estate.

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Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 2811 1431 (166m by 151m)
Map sheet SS21SE
Civil Parish EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)