MMO2181 - Possible Bronze Age hut circle on Shoulsbarrow Common (Monument)

The earthwork remains of a possible later prehistoric or Bronze Age hut circle are visible on aerial photographs, terraced into the hillside. It was not located during field investigation in 2017 and was suggested to be a natural feature.

The earthwork remains of a possible later prehistoric or Bronze Age hut circle are visible on aerial photographs, terraced into the hillside south of Old Close Quarry. Centred at approximately SS 7037 4021, the circular bank measures approximately 16 metres across and encloses an area measuring 12 metres across. It is situated on a natural platform on a steep west facing slope above an unnamed tributary of the River Bray. A break in the bank on the eastern side may represent a possible entranceway. The feature is only visible on a single photograph taken in 1947 and cannot be identified on any later photographs, meaning an exact identification is difficult. However, the form and situation of the monument is very similar to other hut circles and settlements elsewhere on Exmoor, and further survey is required. [1,2] The feature was not located during field investigation in 2017. It was suggested to be a misinterpretation of vegetation marks on the photographs. [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]