Monument Number 440909 |
Hob Uid: 440909 | |
Location : Devon West Devon Sourton
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Grid Ref : SX5459091910 |
Summary : A Civil War redoubt situated 750 metres south east of East Linnacombe in an elevated position overlooking Dartmoor and the valley of the River Thrushel. The earthwork was possibly erected in 1642 to guard the Cornish side of Okehampton. The monument survives as a double ditched, square-shaped enclosure with a square central platform measuring 13.9 metres across by 0.7 metres high, topped by a slight bank up to 3.6 metres wide and 0.2 metres high. Surrounding the platform is a 2 metre wide and 0.2 metre deep ditch, beyond which is a second bank 1.8 metres wide and 0.2 metres high and a second ditch up to 2.4 metres wide and 0.3 metres deep. Scheduled. |
More information : (SX 54589191) Tumulus (NR) (1) When first discovered in 1951 this feature was erroneously described as the remains of a large earthen barrow (a) It comprises a sub-square platform aproximately 20.0m across, 0.7m high with rounded corners and a low bank around the top. It has two contiguous enclosing ditches, the outer being 0.5m deep but the inner today has more the appearance of a berm and is only vaguely traceable. The south-west side has been mutilated although a slight ramp (slightly off-centre) indicates an original entrance. It is situated on high level ground in enclosed moorland with an extensive field of view to the west, north and east. It could be of Roman origin as its double ditches and overall plan closely resemble the inner earthworks of Old Barrow (SS 74 NE 4) and Martinhoe (SS 64 NE 2). Against this must be noted the smaller size and slightly offset entrance. Resurveyed at 1:2500. (2) Information as in Authy.2 and the suggestion of Roman origin supported. (3) Scheduled under Castles and Fortifications as an "Earthwork on Sourton Down". (4)
A rapid examination of air photography (5a) shows this earthwork, which may be a Roman signal station or Civil War sconce.(5) |