MEM22514 - Prehistoric standing stone on Deer Park (Monument)

A stone was noted during a non intrustive walkover survey of the proposed mire restoration area on Deer Park, undertaken by South West Archaeology as part of the Exmoor Mires Project, and interpreted as a standing stone of prehistoric date. [1] The Historic Environment Officer for the Exmoor Mires Project undertook a non intrustive walkover survey of the proposed mire restoration area on Deer Park, which included this site. Noted was a solitary standing stone, firmly set in the ground. This appears to be a good candidate for interpretation as a prehistoric standing stone, due to its morphology, size and topographic context. [2] A thick well-set standing stone measuring 0.42 x 0.25 x 0.15m overlooks the Halscombe Water and combe on Deer Park, on the south facing slopes. The stone is an upright wide post of sandstone, and can be located when comparing photographs of the trees and field bank in the distance, alongside the route of an animal track. The condition of the stone is currently “very good” and “stable” since its discovery. The presence of moss completely covering the stone when the surveyor discovered it, suggests livestock have not been visiting the stone. [3]