MMO2681 - Post-medieval field system on Luccombe Hill (Monument)

The earthwork remains of extensive relict field systems of probable post-medieval date are visible on aerial photographs of the 1940s onwards. They most likely represent a phase of abandonment or reduction in farm size.

The earthwork remains of extensive relict field systems of probable post-medieval date are visible on aerial photographs of the 1940s onwards on the east facing slopes of Luccombe Hill, with dense concentrations at circa SS 9215 4340 and SS 9232 4256. The relict boundaries clearly form part of coherent field systems with extant field boundaries to the west Wootton Courtenay, and most likely represent a phase of abandonment or reduction in farm size, probably during the post-medieval date. It is unclear from the aerial photographs alone whether a possible road or track, centred at circa SS 9245 4316 and visible as two deep linear ruts, running north to south for about 300 metres, is contemporary with the field systems or later in date. The earthworks are still clearly visible on aerial photographs of 1970. [1-5] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [6]