MMO2179 - Post-medieval quarry and associated trackway southwest of Old Close Quarry (Monument)

A probable post-medieval quarry and associated trackway are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks. It may represent an unsuccessful attempt to extend Old Close Quarry, or quarrying may have begun here before moving north.

A probable post-medieval quarry and associated trackway are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks to the south of Old Close Quarry, Challacombe. Located at SS 7052 4066, the quarry is cut into a slight slope and measures approximately 22 metres across at its widest point. A trackway runs approximately east to west for 50 metres from the western edge of the quarry, where the slope is most gentle. The quarry is shown, but not annotated on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map, suggesting it was abandoned prior to publication in 1889. It may represent an attempt to extend Old Close Quarry which did not prove succesful, or quarrying may have begun here before moving north to Old Close. Further examination is required. [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]