MSO10999 - Possible Bronze Age sub oval enclosure on East Pinford (Monument)

Three curving lengths of stone bank c.0.3 metres high and 3 metres wide. Defined by differential vegetational growth. Possible hillslope enclosure 73 paces diameter. No internal or entrance feature seen. [1] L shaped attachment on western side 10 paces by 9 paces. [3] Centred at SS 8022 4256 is a suboval enclosure averaging 67 metres in diameter; it lies on gentle, east facing slopes above a steep escarpment forming the eastern side of East Pinford. The enclosure consists of a series of discontinuous, stony banks, emphasised - at the time of survey - by the fact that the area had been recently burnt off. The irregularity of the enclosing bank and its discontinuity, argue against the feature being a field or even a hillslope enclosure. Certainly its elevated position on the moor would suggest an earlier date. There is a lack of good evidence for internal settlement, although two slight platforms (A and B on plan) are visible. On balance this feature is best interpreted as an enclosed settlement of earlier prehistoric (?Bronze Age) date. Surveyed at 1:500 scale, 23 July 1996. [5-7] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [8]