MMO1602 - Medieval or post-medieval orchard banks at Blackford (Monument)

Parallel linear earthworks visible on aerial photographs in the grounds of Blackford, Selworthy parish, are thought to be orchard banks of post-medieval or possible late medieval date. Centred on circa SS 924 451, the earthworks to the south of Blackford are aligned roughly north to south and cover an area of approximately 2000 square metres. A site visit in July 2007 confirmed the partial survival of the earthworks, although in a reduced form, and their function as orchard banks with trees surviving planted along the ridge tops. The orchard would have been associated with other elements of the manorial complex surviving at Blackford, such as the fishpond, dovecote and mill. [1-3] The site is shown as an orchard on the 25 inch 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map. [4] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [5]