MMO3028 - Possible prehistoric oval enclosure at Bradymoor (Monument)

The remains of a possible bank defined enclosure can be seen on aerial photographs as low earthworks. It is roughly circular or oval in shape, with a possible entrance or annexe visible on its western side, and may be prehistoric.

The remains of a possible bank defined enclosure of uncertain date can be seen on aerial photographs as low earthworks on Withypool Common at circa SS 8091 3651. The enclosure is roughly circular or oval in shape, up to roughly 36 metres in diameter with an internal area of circa 600 square metres. A possible entrance, outwork or annexe is visible on its western side. The date of the earthwork is unclear, but it appears to be overlain by narrow ridge and furrow of probable post-medieval date. It is approximately 100 metres to the south of a square earthwork enclosure of possible medieval date, with which it may be contemporary. [1-3] The site was subject to resistivity and magnetometry survey in 2013. The probable prehistoric enclosure was difficult to see in the earth resistance data but several possible features were interpreted. The earthworks of the enclosure appeared to have been heavily truncated and its full expression was not shown either topographically or through the resistance data. The latter shows some elements of a ditch and bank but a continuous circuit wasn't apparent. The features thought to be present included the enclosure ditch and bank, a possible roundhouse platform and undefined anomalies of possible archaeological origin (having high resistance) in close proximity. The gradiometer survey did little to define the form of the enclosure but did show a vague circular anomaly, possibly indicating the presence of ditches that may be associated with one or more roundhouses. It was not clear from the results of both surveys and from viewing the topography of the site whether the later ridge and furrow on the site has largely obliterated the enclosure or if it is preserved underneath these later earthworks. [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]