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Summary

Two narrow curvilinear earthwork ditches, interpreted as the gutters of a possible 19th century catch meadow irrigation system, are visible on aerial photographs taken in 1946. The earthworks have possibly since been levelled.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• CATCH MEADOW (XIX - 1801 AD to 1900 AD (Between))

Full description

Royal Air Force, 1946, RAF/106G/UK/1190, RAF/106G/UK/1190 RP 3194-3195 27-FEB-1946 (Aerial Photograph). SDV363067.

Two narrow curvilinear ditches are visible as earthworks.

Hegarty, C., Knight, S. and Sims, R., 2019-2020, The South Devon Coast to Dartmoor Aerial Investigation and Mapping Survey. Area 2, Avon Valley to Plymouth (AI&M, formerly NMP) (Interpretation). SDV362982.

Narrow curvilinear ditches, less than 2m wide, are visible as earthworks on aerial photographs taken in 1946. The earthwork channels follow the contours of the southwest facing combe slope and occupy an area of circa 0.42 hectares. They are interpreted as the gutters of a catch meadow irrigation system possibly associated with Highler Leigh farmstead to the northwest and which tapped a spring-fed stream located at the farm. Catch meadows were popular in the 19th century but many continued in use into the mid-20th century, although it is unclear whether this system was still in use by this time. The earthworks are not visible on the available aerial imagery after 1966 and they have possibly since been levelled.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments: none recorded

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV8098 - The South Devon Coast to Dartmoor Aerial Investigation and Mapping (formerly NMP) Survey, Area 2, Avon Valley to Plymouth (Ref: ACD2040)

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