MSO10465 - Post-medieval peat cutting east of The Chains (Monument)

SS 7351 4183. Roughly circular peat cutting activity in the area of aerial photographic plots to the east of the Chains Barrow. Approximately 8 metres in diameter and 0.2 metres deep, water filled with eroded and Molinia covered sides. [1] A large area of peat cutting, of probable post medieval date, is visible on aerial photographs [2,3] as numerous small pits and irregular earthworks immediately south of The Chains Barrow, and covering an area of approximately 11 hectares. The earthworks are centred on SS 734 417 and are of a variety of shapes and sizes, from square pits measuring 8 to 10 metres, to less regularly shaped, curved pits up to 90 metres across. The cuttings are closely associated with a number of 19th Century drainage ditches, believed to be part of the Knight family's improvement attempt during the 19th Century. 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 [4]. Similar areas are visible to the east and west. [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] An ecological study included peat depth sampling here [8]