MMO2600 - Post-medieval quarry remains northwest of Oaktrow Farm (Monument)

The remains of at least 3 quarries are visible on aerial photographs as a pits roughly 175 metres to the to the northwest of Oaktrow Farm, at circa SS 9410 4056. The pits are oval in plan and just over 20 metres long, orientated in a row north to south roughly following the 200 metre Ordnance Datum contour. The individual earthworks are not explicitly marked on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1889, but do occupy an area demarcated as unimproved ground which is also marked Old Quarry. This supports the interpretation that the pits predate the first edition map and are therefore of probable post-medieval date. The function of the pits is unclear but they may have been dug for walling material used in the construction of the surrounding field system associated with Oaktrow Farm, part of which also forms the boundary with Timberscombe parish. [1-3] The pits have been infilled; a void opening up in October 2013 is likely to represent collapsed infilling. [4] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [5]