MMO2418 - Post-medieval quarries north of Wellshead Farm (Monument)

Two quarries of probable post-medieval date are visible on aerial photographs of the 1940s onwards as earthworks centred on circa SS 8297 4036 and SS 8288 4053, to the north of Wellshead Farm, Exford parish. The southern, larger but possibly shallower pit is annotated as Old Quarry on the 2nd Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1903, and whilst not marked on the 1st Edition Map of 1889, the area of rough ground within which it is sited is shown. Conversely, the northern pit is marked on both maps but annotated as Old Quarry only on the 1st Edition map. The irregular shape and profile of the southernmost pit may support an interpretation as a prospecting pit. Both pits remain visible, although less clearly defined, on aerial photographs of 1982. [1-5] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [6]