MMO2927 - Peat Cutting, South-West of Long Holcombe Cross (Monument)
Summary
Please read the caveat document.
Type and Period (1)
Protected Status
- None recorded
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 8 hectares. The earthworks are centred on SS 7670 3502, south west of Long Holcombe Cross, North Molton, and are of a variety of shapes and sizes, from square pits measuring 9 metres across, to less regularly shaped, curved pits up to 40 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. Similar areas are visible to the north on Long Holcombe, and the north west on Hangley Cleave. (1-3) A study of the archaeology and history of peat exploitation on Exmoor’s moorlands provides additional background on the practice and sites. [4]
Sources/Archives (4)
- <1> SEM6707 Aerial photograph: Royal Air Force. 1946 -1948. Vertical Aerial Photography. RAF CPE/UK/1980 4372-73 11/04/1947.
- <2> SEM7230 Monograph: Burton, R.A.. 1989. The Heritage of Exmoor. Roger A. Burton. P. 232-33.
- <3> SMO7573 Archive: 2007-2009. Exmoor National Park NMP: SS 73 NE. MD002190.
- <4> SEM8135 Report: Riley, H.. 2014. Turf Cutting on Exmoor: An archaeological and historical study - project report.
Location
Grid reference | Centred SS 7671 3491 (382m by 410m) (Aerial Survey) |
---|---|
Map sheet | SS73SE |
Civil Parish | NORTH MOLTON, NORTH DEVON, DEVON |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (0)
External Links (1)
- http://www.pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=1487409 (Pastscape entry: 1487409)
Other Statuses/References
- Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 1487409
Record last edited
Aug 18 2015 2:58PM
Feedback?
Your feedback is welcome. If you can provide any new information about this record, please contact us.