MDE20799 - Medieval or post-medieval field system west of Challacombe Common (Monument)

The remains of a medieval or post-medieval field system are visible as a series of earthworks. The field boundaries are broadly similar in size and layout to extant boundaries visible in and around Challacombe, and may date to the same period.

Lengths of bank forming old field boundaries are visible on aerial photographs. [1-3] The remains of a medieval or post-medieval field system are visible as a series of earthworks on the western edge of Challacombe Common. Centred at approximately SS 7012 4209, two low banks are visible, forming the corners of at least two enclosures. The visible area of the larger of the two enclosures measures approximately 110 by 120 metres, while the smaller enclosure measures 50 by 80 metres. Both banks appear to connect to the extant boundary running north to south at SS 700 420. The field boundaries are broadly similar in size and layout to extant boundaries visible in and around Challacombe, and were most likely constructed at the same period. As they are not depicted on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map, it seems likely that they were abandoned some time before publication in 1889. [4-7] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [8]