MEM22681 - Post-medieval peat cutting on The Chains (Monument)

A large scale metric survey of the Pinkworthy (or Pinkery) Pond environs was undertaken by Hazel Riley in 2012 as part of the Exmoor Mires Project. A small area of peat putting was seen to the southeast of Pinkworthy (or Pinkery) Pond; this measures 16 metres northeast-southwest, 4 metres northwest-southeast and 1 to 11.5 metres deep. Like the larger area to the south (MSO10467), this probably dates from the post-medieval period. [1] A study of the archaeology and history of peat exploitation on Exmoor’s moorlands provides additional background on the practice and sites. [2]