MSO7950 - Post-medieval boundary stone south of Black Barrow (Monument)

An edge set stone visible as a single slab 0.45 metres long is possibly associated with a nearby stone setting, but is perhaps more likely to have been a boundary stone marking the Royal Forest boundary and that for Porlock Parish.

An edge set stone was found during field reconnaissance at SS 83280 43839. It comprises a single slab, measuring 0.45 metres long, 0.08 metres wide and 0.12 metres high; it is oriented northwest to southeast. It may be assocaited with the stone setting MSO7903, which lies some 95 metres to the southeast. It should also be noted that it lies very close to the Porlock parish boundary, and it may have been set up as a temporary marker for this purpose. Surveyed with GPS, August 1996. [1] A small stone on its side, thought to be a boundary stone of the Royal Forest and a parish boundary stone between Porlock and Exmoor. It is located at SS 83287 43845. [2] A recumbent stone slab measuring 0.45m x 0.12m x 0.09m is visible in a slight depression within thick molinia on Porlock Allotment. The stone could be linked to nearby stone settings, however, it is also located on the boundary between Porlock and Exmoor parish, suggesting it is likely a boundary stone. The stone was once recorded to be upright, and has since fallen recumbent, likely from animal rubbing. No socket could be located during the site visit. Whilst the stone could easily be concealed by vegetation there are no threats visible in the area that may cause damage. [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.