MDE20934 - Post-medieval or modern drainage systems on Kentisbury Down (Monument)

Aerial photographs were thought to show two mounds and an area of field system or drainage features. A later field visit noted only former drainage operations, spring sapping and possibly tracks onto the down before it was enclosed.

An aerial photograph in the NMR dating to 1979 shows two mounds, at SS 6315 4367 and SS 6319 4366, and an area of apparent small rectangular features. Conceivably a field system, alternatively drainage features. [1] The field in question lies on northwest facing slopes at 293 metres Ordnance Datum on Kentisbury Down. The down was enclosed in the mid 19th Century and formerly was open moorland [2,3]. No trace of the mounds, nor of the alleged field system could be found. The surviving feature comprise amorphous undulations which represent former drainage operations, spring sapping and possibly tracks onto the down before it was enclosed. [4] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [5]