MMO2161 - Post-medieval peat cutting on Furzehill Common (Monument)

A large area of peat cutting, of probable post medieval date, is visible on aerial photographs as numerous small pits and irregular earthworks on Furzehill Common, Lynton and Lynmouth covering an area of approximately 5.5 hectares. The earthworks are centred on SS 735 445 and are of a variety of shapes and sizes, from square pits measuring 3 to 4 metres across, to less regularly shaped, curved pits up to 80 metres across. Due to the vast number of pits visible on aerial photographs, only a representative sample has been transcribed, indicating distribution and form. Peat cutting is known to have continued on Exmoor until very recently, and may continue in places. A similar area is visible to the north. [1-3] This site is mentioned in the 2013 report by Hazel Riley, a field survey and synthesis of previous projects in the Hoaroak Valley, funded by the Exmoor Moorland Landscape Partnership Scheme. [4] A study of the archaeology and history of peat exploitation on Exmoor’s moorlands provides additional background on the practice and sites. [5] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [6]