MMO2394 - Post-medieval field boundary on Dure Down (Monument)

A probable post-medieval field boundary is visible on aerial photographs as a very slight earthwork. The majority of the boundaries in this area were constructed by the Knight family in the mid 19th Century.

A probable post-medieval field boundary is visible on aerial photographs as a very slight earthwork on Dure Down, Exmoor. Centred at aproximately SS 7581 4115, the bank runs approximately east to west for 210 metres, before turning sharply north and continuing for 30 metres. The bank measures approximately 3.5 metres wide but may have been spread by ploughing. It is not depicted on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1889, suggesting it had been anandoned prior to this date. The majority of the boundaries in this area were constructed by the Knight family in the mid 19th Century after their acquisition of the former Royal Forest of Exmoor. It seems likely that this boundary was also constructed by the Knight family, possibly as part of the enclosures of Durdon Farm, but abandoned at a later date. Its poor condition suggests it may not have been intended as a permanent boundary. [1-3] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [4]