MMO672 - Higher Ditch deserted farmstead, Brompton Regis (Monument)

Several small cottage enclosures are visible to the east of Ditch Farm on Ordnance Survey maps of the area. An extensive ridge and furrow field system together with a possible water meadow system surrounds both farms.

The deserted farmstead of Higher Ditch, immediately to the east of Ditch Farm. Documentary evidence indicates the presence of several small cottage enclosures which are still visible on the 6 inch and 1:10,000 Ordnance Survey maps of the area. [1,2] Banks and ditches in a trackway leading towards small enclosures, together with millponds and leats, and low banks and derelict walls making three small subrectangular ponds were noted on aerial photographs. [3,4] Aerial photographs clearly show the presence of an extensive ridge and furrow field system in fields surrounding both farms, as well as some drainage ditches, possible part of a catch meadow drainage system and several field banks. [3,5-8] The site of Lower Ditch is now occupied by a pond. No structural remains are evident on the site. The former farmstead is approached from the southwest by a hollow way 5 metres wide and 0.7 metres deep. [9] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [10]