MMO2266 - Medieval or post-medieval peat cutting on Exford Common (Monument)

An extensive area of peat cutting of possible medieval to 20th Century date can be seen as numerous irregularly shaped, densely packed pits and disturbed ground on aerial photographs of the 1940s onwards, centred on circa SS 8584 4120. The pits vary in shape and size, from small rectilinear pits less than 5 metres across to large amorphous excavations over 50 metres in length. The larger pits more readily reflect the cumulative nature of peat cutting on Exmoor, where one family may cut the same peat beds or turbary, known locally as a 'turf', for generations as part of their commoners rights. In total, this area of peat cutting covers over 25 hectares of common land, extending eastwards from Porlock Post onto Exford Common, crossing the parish boundary between Luccombe and Exford, which runs east to west through the centre of the cuttings. Similar and more extensive cuttings can be seen to the east. Due to the difficult nature of the evidence which can vary in appearance on aerial photographs from year to year, the transcription attempts only to convey the area and general character of the excavations, and should be taken only as indicative of the extent of individual pits. The heyday of peat cutting on Exmoor was probably in the first half of the 19th Century, although small scale cutting probably continued well into the 20th Century. [1-5] A study of the archaeology and history of peat exploitation on Exmoor’s moorlands provides additional background on the practice and sites. [6] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [7] A walkover survey in March 2024 was carried out in advance of possible peatland restoration works, confirming the extent of the area of post medieval peat cutting activity. [8]