MMO2365 - Post-medieval contour leat on Lanacombe (Monument)

A post-medieval contour leat is visible on aerial photographs as an earthwork. It may be part of the 19th century drainage attempts in the area, since it appears to connect with two unnamed tributaries of Hoccombe Water at either end.

A post-medieval contour leat is visible on aerial photographs as an earthwork on Lanacombe, above Hoccombe Water, Exmoor. Beginning at approximately SS 7757 4328, the leat runs approimately east to west, following the course of the 390 contour as far as SS 7790 4316 and measuring approximately 350 metres long. It resembles the drainage ditches visible to the south on Lanacombe and Great Buscombe, but whereas the rains cut across contours, this leat appears to follow the course of the 390 metre contour almost exactly. It may still be part of the 19th Century drainage attempts in the area, since it appears to connect with two unnamed tributaries of Hoccombe Water at either end. [1,2] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [3]