MMO2632 - Post-medieval peat cutting west of Hoar Oak Cottage (Monument)
Summary
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Type and Period (1)
Protected Status
Full Description
A large area of peat cutting, of probable post-medieval date, is visible on aerial photographs as numerous small pits and irregular earthworks covering an area of approximately 11.8 hectares. The earthworks are centred on SS 7384 4370, and straddle the county boundary between Devon and Somerset. They are of a variety of shapes and sizes, from square pits measuring 13-15 metres across, to less regularly shaped, curved pits up to 45-50 metres across. Due to the vast number of pits visible on aerial photographs, only a representative sample has been transcribed, indicating distribution and form. Peat cutting is known to have continued on Exmoor until very recently, and may continue in places. The cutting here may well have provided fuel for Hoaroak Cottage, which lies 400 metres due east, or may have been used for turfing enclosure walls around Hoaroak. Similar areas of peat cutting are visible to the south and north (see MMO2161 and MMO2164). [1-3] This site is mentioned in the 2013 report by Hazel Riley, a field survey and synthesis of previous projects in the Hoaroak Valley, funded by the Exmoor Moorland Landscape Partnership Scheme. [4] A study of the archaeology and history of peat exploitation on Exmoor’s moorlands provides additional background on the practice and sites. [5]
Sources/Archives (5)
- <1> SMO4068 Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF 540/931 3082-83 (8 November 1952).
- <2> SEM7230 Monograph: Burton, R.A.. 1989. The Heritage of Exmoor. Roger A. Burton. P. 232-34.
- <3> SMO7565 Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 74 SW. MD002182.
- <4> SEM8028 Report: Riley, H.. 2013. Hoaroak Valley: Historic landscape survey and analysis. 36.
- <5> SEM8135 Report: Riley, H.. 2014. Turf Cutting on Exmoor: An archaeological and historical study - project report.
Location
Grid reference | Centred SS 7384 4365 (360m by 701m) (Aerial Survey) |
---|---|
Map sheet | SS74SW |
Civil Parish | LYNTON AND LYNMOUTH, NORTH DEVON, DEVON |
Civil Parish | EXMOOR, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (1)
External Links (1)
- http://www.pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=1480127 (Pastscape entry: 1480127)
Other Statuses/References
- National Monuments Record reference: SS 74 SW274
- Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 1480127
Record last edited
Jan 22 2018 11:41AM
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