MMO2136 - Medieval or post-medieval field boundaries north of Holwell Rocks (Monument)

Two medieval or post-medieval field boundaries are visible on aerial photographs on an area of moorland. They are cut in several places by the gutters of a post-medieval water meadow system (MMO2109), suggesting an earlier date.

Two medieval or post-medieval field boundaries are visible on aerial photographs on an area of moorland north of Holwell Rocks, Parracombe. Centred at approximately SS 6735 4328 on a steep east facing slope above an unnamed stream, both banks appear to be running approximately east to west down the slope. The longer of the two banks, at SS 6734 4334, measures approximately 130 metres long, while the shorter at SS 6736 4319 measures 70 metres. The banks are cut in several places by the gutters of a post-medieval water meadow system (see MMO2109), which indicates the banks predate the gutters. In turn, the area is shown as tree covered on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map [2], which suggests that both the banks and the gutters were abandoned some considerable time prior to the publication of the map in 1889. The banks seem likely to be part of a medieval or early post-medieval attempt to enclose the moor. [1-3] 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]