MMO2791 - Medieval or post-medieval field boundary north of Sherracombe (Monument)

A medieval or post medieval field boundary forming the corner of an enclosure is visible on aerial photographs. Part of the boundary is depicted on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map and at least part of it may have been visible or in use then.

A medieval or post-medieval field boundary forming the corner of an enclosure is visible on aerial photographs on former moorland north of Sherracombe, North Molton. Centred at approximately SS 7170 3601, the main section of the bank runs approximately north to south for 185 metres. At the southern end, the bank branches and a section runs east-west towards Sherracombe Wood, forming a corner with the main section. The banks are very similar to those seen on the opposite side of the valley on Whitefield Down (see MMO2785) which are believed to have been part of a medieval attempt to enclose the moorland. This bank and enclosure may have been laid out at the same time. However, since part of the boundary is depicted on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map, it appears that this section remained in use for longer than the system on Whitefield Down. It was most likely abandoned shortly after the map was published in 1890. [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]