MMO2476 - 19th Century drainage system at Beckham (Monument)

A system of post-medieval drainage ditches is visible on aerial photographs, across the slopes of Beckham. The ditches were most likely cut as part of the Knight family's attempt at agricultural improvement of the former Royal Forest, possibly associated with the construction of Tom's Hill Farm around 1850. Centred on approximately SS 8133 4202, these earthworks cover an area of approximately 5 hectares and form one of three relatively small and discrete drainage systems that feed into tributaries to the south of Long Combe. Two more can be seen immediately to the west. The drains are arranged in an irregular herringbone pattern draining centrally into an unnamed tributary to Long Combe. Similar, but much more extensive drainage systems are visible to the south and west towards Warren Farm, some draining into natural streams and water courses, others appearing to drain into the various contour leats. [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. [4] A metric survey of a herringbone drainage system on Swap Hill was carred out in July and August 2019. The drainage system may date to the 1820s and 1830s and date to John Knight's ownership of Exmoor Forest. [5]