MSO7600 - Possible World War Two rectangular platform on North Hill (Monument)

Summary

A rectangular platform measuring 32 metres by 12.9 metres with associated spoil dump, thought to be associated with World War Two military activity on North Hill.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

Full Description

Centred at SS 94507 47346 is a rectangular area measuring 32 metres by 12.9 metres. It is cut into the ground surface by up to 0.3 metres. At its eastern end is an amorphous dump of material, presumably a spoil heap from the construction of the feature. The function of the site is unclear, but it is probably associated with World War Two military activity on North Hill (MMO627). Certainly its smoothed, graded form would suggest that it was created with heavy machinery. Found during field reconnaissance and surveyed at 1:2500 scale as part of RCHME fieldwork on the Exmoor National Park holding on North Hill. [1,2] The platform referred to above [1,2] is visible as a rectangular area of disturbed ground on the available aerial photography from tank training activity during the Second World War. [3,4] The platform is visible on the Royal Air Force aerial photographs taken in 1946-8 held by the HER. [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]

Sources/Archives (6)

  • <1> Unpublished document: Wilson-North, R.. Various. Field Investigators Comments. RCHME Field Investigation, 13 Nov 1997.
  • <2> Report: Riley, H. and Wilson-North, R.. 1997. The field archaeology of North Hill: An archaeological survey of the Exmoor National Park holding. RCHME.
  • <3> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Vertical Aerial Photograph. RAF/106G/UK/1655 3010-3011 (11 July 1946).
  • <4> Archive: Dickson, A.. 2007. Severn Estuary Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment: SS 94 NW. MD000133.
  • <5>XY Aerial photograph: Royal Air Force. 1946 -1948. Vertical Aerial Photography. [Mapped feature: #46831 ]
  • <6> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1102238, Extant 11 May 2022.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MMO635
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO12455
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 NW90
  • National Park
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1102238
  • Somerset SMR PRN: 35656

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 94504 47339 (45m by 26m)
Map sheet SS94NW
Civil Parish MINEHEAD WITHOUT, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (4)

Record last edited

May 11 2022 4:03PM

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