MEM22612 - Possible prehistoric stony area on The Chains (Monument)

An area characterised by abundant surface stone was visible during field investigation in 2012. This is an unusual feature on Exmoor and it is possible the stone accumulation is the result of field clearance.

An area of scattered sub angular stone was noted during a non intrustive walkover survey of the proposed mire restoration area on The Chains, undertaken by South West Archaeology as part of the Exmoor Mires Project. This was thought likely to be natural, on aerial photographs the area is present as a very indistinct circular feature. [1] The Historic Environment Officer for the Exmoor Mires Project undertook a non intrustive walkover survey of the proposed mire restoration area on The Chains, which included this site. Noted was an area characterised by abundant surface stone; an unusual feature on Exmoor. Similar examples elsewhere are marked by cairns, such as on Deer Park, where stony areas MEM22519 and MEM22524 are marked by the cairns MSO6959, MSO6953 and MEM22520. It is possible the stone accumulation is at least partially anthropogenic. Geophysical survey suggests this might be the result of field clearance. [2]