MMO2413 - Post-medieval quarry or prospecting trench on Ware Ball (Monument)

A small quarry or prospecting trench of probable post-medieval date is visible on aerial photographs as an earthwork on Ware Ball, Exmoor parish, centred on circa SS 8110 4057. The trench is orientated east to west across the contours of the eastern slopes of the hill, and measures circa 52 metres long and between 2 and 8 metres wide. A spoil heap is visible encircling its western tip. It is not marked on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1889 but is probably 19th Century in date, possibly associated with the Knight's attempt to exploit the mineral resources of Exmoor. [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]