MMO2772 - Post-medieval earthwork bank on Great Vintcombe (Monument)

A narrow earthwork bank visible on aerial photographs may be associated with the large area of post-medieval drainage ditches to the east, perhaps constructed to prevent landslides and slippages from occuring in periods of high rainfall.

A narrow earthwork bank is visible on aerial photographs on the western edge of Great Vintcombe, Exmoor. Centred at approximately SS 7231 3938, the bank runs approximately north to south for 100 metres along the edge of a steep west facing slope between Great Vintcombe and Black Hill. It is possibly associated with the large area of post-medieval drainage ditches which lie immediately to the east, and was perhaps constructed to prevent landslides and slippages that may have occured in periods of high rainfall when the system was in heavy use. Like the drainage system, it is not depicted on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map, but most likely dates to the post-medieval period, and the Knight family's attempt at land improvement in the former Royal Forest of Exmoor. [1-3] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [4]