MMO2800 - Medieval or post-medieval trackway on Castle Common (Monument)

A trackway of probable medieval or post-medieval date is visible as a series of earthworks running north to south across Castle Common, Brayford. Beginning at approximately SS 7144 3915, the track is visible as a series of interweacing ruts and sunken hollows running north south for nearly 400 metres, before fading from view at approximately SS 7143 3955. The track strongly resembles the "ancient trackway" or pack horse road visible around the edge of Roosthitchen to the east, which linked Lynton and South Molton. It may well be part of this same routeway, or a smaller "link road" connecting the nearby smaller trackways with the main route. Unlike the large routes connecting Lynton and South Molton, and Barnstaple and Porlock however, this trackway is not depicted on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1889, or the 1816 map of Exmoor around the time of enclosure. This suggests that the trackway was not a primary route, or that it was out of use and replaced prior to the publication of either map. A number of similar small tracks are visible in the area, which possibly connected with each other at some point. To the south, several are visible around Henthitchen and Mole's Chamber, while to the west a track is visible leading towards Shoulsbarrow Castle along Castle Cleave Combe. It is possible that this area represents a former important "crossing place" on the edge of Exmoor Royal Forest. [1-5]. 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] A site visit was undertaken by the Mires Partnership HEO in May 2019. It was noted that the three westernmost 'tracks' recorded by the National Mapping Project were actually drainage ditches that likely date from the 20th Century. [7] The GIS data for the record has been amended to reflect the information provided with [7]. [8]