MMO2619 - Medieval or post-medieval field boundaries on Sloe Combe, Sloecombe or Slocombe (Monument)

A number of medieval or post-medieval field boundaries are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks. It is possible that these boundaries are related to Slocombe Farm, and further survey is required to confirm this.

A number of medieval or post-medieval field boundaries are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks north of Wootton Lodge and Huntsham Cott, Wootton Courtenay. Centred at aproximately SS 9539 4343, several linear banks are visible, mostly aligned northwest to southeast, and apparently forming at least one large rectangular enclosure measuring approximately 130 metres by 117 metres. In places the banks are cut or interrupted by the extant field boundaries. To the west of these banks at SS 9520 4360 is the former settlement of Slocombe Farm, which is mentioned in the court rolls of Henry VIII (1539-40). By 1844 it was a holding of approximately 83 acres, but without a farmhouse, suggesting it had been abandoned. It seem likely that these boundaries could be associated with this settlement, and further survey will be required to confirm this. Several of the boundaries are apparently still in use on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1889, although most are overlain by coniferous forest plantations. [1-4] 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]