MDE21784 - Post-medieval field boundary north Parracombe Lane Head (Monument)

Remains of a possible linear field boundary were revealed during groundworks for laying a water pipe in 2000. A shallow ditch 30 metres long by 1.5 metres wide and 0.2 metres deep with a possible wall base at the southern end and a remnant low asymmetrical earthen bank 5 metres long by 4 metres wide and containing occasional large flattened shale blocks. The linear boundary subsequently turned abruptly northwards and the bank petered out to be replaced by a low wall. The wall base was comprised of a single course of large flat stones arranged in a double parallel row. Early Ordnance Survey maps confirm the boundary which formed part of an extensive 19th Century enclosure system encircling 'South Down'. [1]