MSO10172 - Post-medieval peat stacks north of Larkbarrow Farm (Monument)

Four earthen mounds, centred SS 8188 4329, were located in rough grassland, 400 metres to the north of Larkbarrow farmhouse. The mounds, approximately 5 metres in diameter and 0.9 metres in height, are set out in a more or less regular pattern following the line of the boundary wall. These features may represent the remains of 19th Century peat drying stacks, where turf was dried before being burnt on domestic fires. [1] These mounds were recorded at 1:2500 scale using differential GPS as part of an archaeological survey of the Larkbarrow area. The survey was undertaken by the Exeter office of English Heritage at the request of the Exmoor National Park Authority. A client report was produced as part of the survey work and is available from the NMRC, Swindon. [2] These peaty mounds lie on ground which is part of a ridge of higher ground south of Kittuck and the headwaters of Chalk Water. They are all circular or subcircular, c. 11.5 metres to 12 metres in diameter, 0.8 metres to 1 metre high and are covered with reeds. [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]