Local List: Post-medieval sheepfold on Great Woolcombe

The sheepfold was constructed by Frederic Knight in the mid 19th century as part of his land improvement measures on Exmoor. It measures 41.5m square defined by an earthern bank 0.9m high topped by a grown-out beech hedge. There is also a broad external ditch 4m wide and 0.3m deep. A single entrance 2.3m wide is visible on the western end of the southern side of the enclosure. Elsewhere are modern breaks in the bank caused by animal erosion. A short length of bank runs from the southern side of the sheepfold near the entrance as far as the nearby stream, and was probably to control stock. Age: moderate distinctive for 19th century Exmoor shepherding Rarity: moderate one of a number of sheepfolds / stells on Exmoor Distinctive Design: distinctive large square enclosure Historical Association: Knight Estate and named Scottish shepherds Evidential Value: not complex but otherwise poorly documented so physical remains are significant, not completely intact and tree growth is affecting coherence of enclosure Social Communal Value: landmark, visibility in open moor, although remote area, probably little visited Group Value: fairly isolated 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