MMO2667 - Possible post-medieval earthwork northwest of Fernhill (Monument)

A rectangular earthwork bank visible on aerial photographs of the 1940s onwards may be the remains of a building platform or pond, possibly associated with the deserted post-medieval settlement of Fernhill.

A rectangular earthwork bank visible on aerial photographs of the 1940s onwards may be the remains of a building platform or pond, possibly associated with the former settlement of Fernhill, located approximately 160 metres to the southeast. The 10 by 15 metre platform is centred on SS 9235 4122, at an elevation of approximately 270 metres above Ordnance Datum, on north facing slopes above a tributary to the River Avill. It appears to be revetted or enclosed by earthwork banks on the north facing side, which either include an entrance or have been breached roughly halfway along their length. A gulley appears to run downstream from this gap in the earthworks, but it is unclear if this is a deliberate construction. No features are marked on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map or any subsequent map of this area and the earthworks may therefore predate 1889. [1-3] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [4]