MSO7099 - Post-medieval or modern pond on East Pinford (Monument)

Centred at SS 7978 4202 is a feature, depicted on the 1981 Ordnance Survey 1:10,000 scale mapping [1]. It comprises a circular water filled hollow, 17.5 metres in diameter and 3.5 metres deep (to surface of water). It is surrounded by a well defined turf covered stony bank 0.6 metres high and 3 metres wide. Its isolated position and the lack of apparent access renders its interpretation speculative. [2] The circular hollow described above is clearly visible on aerial photographs; however, the surrounding bank is not apparent, and may be obscured by vegetation. The feature lies within an area of extensive post medieval drainage channels, believed to be part of the land improvement attempts by the Knight family during the mid 19th Century, and may well be associated with this activity. [3,4] Previously interpreted as a bomb crater. [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] The feature is shown on the 2021 MasterMap data and labelled "Pond". [7] It is not shown on the 25 inch 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map. [8]