Source/Archive record SEM8359 - Land at Cherryford, Martinhoe, Devon: Results of a cartographic desk-based assessment and walkover survey

South West Archaeology Ltd. was asked to undertake a desk based cartographic research and walkover survey on land at Cherryford, Martinhoe, Devon. The site lies at a ford between Martinhoe and Kemacott. Place-name evidence suggests that the site was probably named in respect of its being on a winding watercourse or due to its location on a ford on route to the parish church at Martinhoe. It is located within a landscape of medieval and post-medieval field systems and has been modified as a catch water for which some gullies probably still exist on the site, especially due to the lack of development from the 19th century to the present day. The cartographic record shows relative continuity over the last two centuries in the topography and morphology of the site. Most of the site was heavily overgrown with bracken and scrub, which obscured the surface of the slope of the valley. The areas proposed for development were clear of above ground remains and had already been modified in most cases to provide access across the site. The leats of a water catchment system did not appear to survive across the entire site, but visibility was poor during the time of the site visit. One leat was identified at the eastern extent of the site. It is very unlikely that the proposed developments will impact on any buried archaeological remains. However if further terracing of the slope was requested in the future, particularly at the eastern end of the site it may provide an opportunity to better record the extent of the gutters/leats associated with the water catchment system (MMO1803). Ideally in this case the slope would first be cleared of bracken and scrub.