Local List: 19th Century sheepfold at East Pinford

Frederick Knight persuaded Scottish shepherds to resettle on Exmoor from around 1868. Robert Tait Little was head shepherd from 1868 to 1898 and was instrumental in introducing the use of sheepfolds or stells. Below Tom's Hill in Long Combe an oval stell encircles a natural mound, measuring over 35 metres across at its widest point. It is almost twice the size of the other oval enclosures, which may be partly explained by the fact that it encircles a low knoll on the valley floor which provides additional shelter for sheep. It is defined by a well preserved, stone faced bank 2.3 metres wide and 1.2 metres high. There are traces of a quarry/drainage ditch on either side of the bank. The entrance, which is 1.5 metres wide, is defined by well made terminals of the enclosing bank. The interior of the sheepfold is featureless, but is dominated by the natural knoll. Age: moderate distinctive for 19th century Exmoor shepherding Rarity: one of a number of sheepfolds / stells Distinctive Design: distinctive but other examples of oval enclosures, although unusual in surrounding the knoll Historical Association: Knight Estate and named Scottish shepherds Evidential Value: not complex but otherwise poorly documented so physical remains are significant. Social Communal Value: landmark, visibility in open moor, contains 20th century memorial/s Group Value: fairly isolated although some farming evidence – field walls and distant farmsteads in vicinity Collective Value: one of a group of sheep folds or stells developed on the Knight Estate in the former Royal Forest. Strong association with the Knight estate