MMO2671 - Possible late prehistoric enclosure above Hanny Combe (Monument)

A large, roughly circular terraced area visible on aerial photographs may be the remains of an enclosure of later prehistoric date. It is visible only on one aerial photograph of the 1940s and a natural origin must be considered possible.

A large, roughly circular feature is visible on aerial photographs above Hanny Combe at circa SS 9096 4200. The feature is ovoid in shape and appears to be terraced into the hillside. It measures up to circa 130 metres in diameter east to west, 110 metres north to south. It may be the remains of an enclosure of later prehistoric date but as it is visible only on one aerial photograph of the 1940s, a natural origin must be considered possible. Further investigation in the field is required. [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] Further investigations including field visits and LiDAR analysis took place in 2024 in advance of peatland restoration works and confirmed that a natural origin is most likely for any feature noted on the single 1980 aerial photograph. [4] This hypothesis was further strengthened during a walkover survey in advance of the peatland restoration works which supported the conclusion that this feature is a natural terrace between the high heather moorland and bracken to the west and the wetter, rush-covered ground to the east, which may have caused the appearance of the feature on the 1940s aerial photograph. [5]