MSO7074 - 19th Century leat to Simonsbath Sawmill (Monument)

A leat, which supplies a post-medieval sawmill at Simonsbath, runs from SS 7657 3919 to SS 7716 3919 on the northern slopes of the valley of the River Barle. The feature is well defined, consisting of a channel, 1.5 metres wide, cut into the steep natural slopes. [1] The leat described above is clearly visible on aerial photographs as an earthwork on the northern slopes of the River Barle valley. However, the earthwork begins at SS 7657 3919 rather than the reference given above. It is less clearly defined for the first 200 metres, and was probably ploughed out some time in the early 20th Century. In total the leat measures approximately 1-1.5 metres wide and approximately 540 metres long. [2,3] 'Old Leat' is marked on the Ordnance Survey 2010 MasterMap. [4] The leat is mapped using information from the NMP survey and the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map. [3,5] The leat was surveyed in May 2016. Its channel is 2 metres wide and 0.5 metres deep, with some stone facing visible at its western end. It terminates at a recently constructed sump or tank. The 1st Edition map shows this lies on or close to the line of an aqueduct or launder that carried the water to the sawmill's water wheel until the end of the 19th Century, when it was superseded by a turbine. [5,6] 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 survey to assist ENPA in decision making for potential acquisition, including history of the building, description of the building and leat, condition of the building, proposals for use of the building, and essential repair required. [8] The heritage asset was assessed for inclusion on the Exmoor Local Heritage List in February 2024. It was noted that it has high historical association as part of the Knight and Fortescue Estate and associated with named figures/workers. It's evidential value is high with evidence for development of technology. It's social communal value was deemed high as it is valued as a public resource and it's group value is high as part of Simonsbath Estate village. It was decided to add the asset to the Local Heritage List. [9]