MMO2732 - Post-medieval or 20th Century drainage system south of Driver Cottages (Monument)

A post-medieval or possibly 20th Century drainage system is visible on aerial photographs on moorland south of Driver Cottages (now called Moorland Way), Exmoor. Centred at SS 7355 3998 a series of criss-crossing ditches can be seen, interlinking with each other and with a large curvilinear contour leat, which appears to drain into the River Barle in the west. This large ditch is depicted on the first edition Ordnance Survey map, suggesting at least part of the system was constructed and in use by the time of publication in 1890. Other similar ditches are visible in the surrounding areas, some draining into natural streams and water courses, others appearing to drain into specially constructed leats. It is possible that the system was continually expanded and recut throughout the 19th and 20th Century, which would account for its apparently excellent state of preservation. [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]