MMO2503 - Medieval and post-medieval hollow ways on Madacombe (Monument)

A number of hollow ways of medieval and post-medieval date. They may indicate a indicate a significant point of entry into the former Royal Forest of Exmoor as they pass between one of the few access points into to the forest.

Several hollow ways or tracks are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks centred on circa SS 8359 4245, immediately to the north of Aldermans Barrow. These routes may be evidence of long standing transhumance routes of possible medieval origin. Up to five metres wide, at least seven individual routes can be seen, some displaying evidence of multiple phases of wear, extending for over 300 metres. They are, in general, orientated roughly northeast to southwest, but this probably reflects the fact that the tracks are probably taking advantage of one of the few natural access points into to the former Royal Forest of Exmoor from the northeast, in particular from the Vale of Porlock, as they pass between the valleys of Madacombe and Hurdle Down. These natural barriers continue to the northwest as Chalk Water and the east as Horner water. The potential significance of this route may also be indicated as the tracks pass through the junction of three parishes, (Porlock, Luccombe and Exford, not including the Exmoor parish), potentially organised so as to gain access to this point. Once through this pinch point, the tracks fan out to head in all directions from west to southwest. There is some evidence for linear earthwork banks towards the eastern end of these tracks, which may be the remains of field boundaries or enclosures associated with the management of livestock as they pass into or exit the Royal Forest. [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]