MMO2142 - Post-medieval drainage ditches south of The Chains (Monument)

An area of regular post-medieval drainage ditches is visible on aerial photographs on moorland to the south of The Chains Valley, Exmoor. The ditches were most likely cut as part of the Knight family's attempt at improvement, probably after Frederic Winn Knight took over the estate in 1841. Centred at approximately SS 7480 4147, the ditches run east to west across a southwest facing slope above an unnamed stream. It appears that the ditches were designed to channel water into this stream. The ditches are mostly cut in straight parallel lines; however, some of the ditches curve to the south at the western end. They cover an area of approximately 18.5 hectares. In places several of the ditches have been crossed by later ditches along a similar alignment, but it is not clear from the aerial photographs when the ditches were recut. The whole area around The Chains is particularly boggy and peat covered, and it seems likely that the ditches were cut to drain the area prior to it being enclosed. According to Orwin, many miles of drainage ditches were cut across parts of Exmoor, but in some areas failed to provide adequate drainage for the land to be enclosed [2]. Large areas of Exmoor were successfully drained, although it appears that this area, which is still open and boggy moorland was not one of them. Other similar ditches are visible in the surrounding areas, some draining into natural streams and water courses, others appearing to drain into Pinkery Canal. Many of the ditches are associated with areas of peat cutting. [1-4] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [5]