MMO2880 - Post-medieval drainage system on Great Woolcombe, Little Halscombe and Horsen (Monument)

An area of regular post-medieval drainage ditches is visible on aerial photographs on Great Woolcombe, Little Halscombe and Horsen on Exmoor. Centred at approximately SS 7769 3769, the ditches extend across an area of more than 175 hectares, and appear to direct water from the higher ground to the many streams and combes which subsequently flow into the River Barle. In some places the ditches apparently follow the contours of the various slopes, while in others they cut directly across them. Several of the larger ditches may in fact be leats; others are larger presumably because of an increased volume of water, particularly those which drain directly into the streams. The ditches were most likely cut as part of the Knight family's attempt at improvement, probably during the mid 19th Century. According to Orwin, many miles of drainage ditches were cut across parts of Exmoor, but failed to provide adequate drainage for the land to be enclosed. Orwin also refers to Robert Smith, the land agent for the Knight family, recommending the construction of "sheep drains" on the boggy ground. Other similar ditches are visible in the surrounding areas, some draining into natural streams and water courses, others appearing to specially constructed leats and channels. Many of the ditches are associated with areas of peat cutting. [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]