See important guidance on the use of this record.

If you have any comments or new information about this record, please email us.

Summary

Site of a number of peat charcoal burning platforms on Great Gnats' Head

Location

Protected Status

• SHINE: Earthwork remains of tin streaming and trial pits at Wheal Katherine Mine

Other References/Statuses

• SHINE Candidate (Yes)

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• CHARCOAL BURNING PLATFORM (Constructed, XI to XIX - 1100 AD to 1900 AD)

Full description

Newman, P., 2012, The Archaeological Legacy of the Carbonarii on Dartmoor – Interim Statement and Gazetter of Peat Charcoal Burning Sites, Great Gnats' Head (Report - Interim). SDV356948.

A number of scattered amorphous earthworks on the northern slope of Great Gnats' Head overlooking the River Plym. Three have been verified by charcoal samples, others are likely to be present on this slope.
The existence of a peat charcoal industry on Dartmoor has its origins in the 12th century or earlier. Peat charcoal was used for iron smithing and tin smelting from the Medieval period until the 19th century. It provided a major income for Dartmoor residents. Large areas of suitable peat would have been harvested and dried before being burned to produce charcoal. The platforms onto which these ‘meilers’ were constructed are the only field evidence for the process.
‘Meiler’ platforms comprise raised, usually circular, earthworks with level tops. Although similar to peat drying platforms they lack the peripheral drainage ditch and charcoal samples confirm their use. The level platform was prepared with circular tiers of dried peat bricks with horizontal vents to admit a controlled air flow.
Sites for peat charcoal burning were always on raised ground within areas of visible turf cutting and, on Dartmoor, between altitudes 465 metres and 545 metres OD. The cutting was often extensive and sometimes areas were denuded of peat. The platforms recorded so far are mostly organised in clusters at single locations suggesting that burning was undertaken at regional hubs.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments: none recorded

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV8148 - The Upper Plym Valley: The Management of an Historic Landscape
• EDV8965 - Aerial survey of guardianship sites on Dartmoor

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.