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Summary

Earthworks of pits, ditches and mounds, interpreted as evidence of a possible medieval or post-medieval alluvial tin streamworks, are visible on visualisations derived from lidar data captured between 1998 and 2017.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• STREAMWORKS (Early Medieval to Post Medieval - 1066 AD to 1750 AD (Between))

Full description

Devon County Council, 1838-1848, Tithe Mosaic, approximately 1838-1848 (Cartographic). SDV349431.

The earthworks do not correspond with any pit, ditch or mound features in this location.

Ordnance Survey, 1880-1899, First Edition Ordnance 25 inch map (Cartographic). SDV336179.

Woodland labelled as ‘Mill Wood’ is shown in this location.

Environment Agency, 1998-2017, LiDAR DTM data (1m resolution) EA: South Devon Coast to Dartmoor, LIDAR SX5958; SX6058; SX5959 Environment Agency DTM 01-JAN-1998 to 31-MAY-2017 (Cartographic). SDV361470.

Earthworks of variously shaped pits, ditches and mounds are visible.

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.

Earthworks of variously shaped pits, ditches and mounds are visible on visualisations derived from lidar data captured between 1998 and 2017. The earthworks occupy an area of circa 4.8 hectares either side of Piall River. They do not correspond with any pit, ditch or mound features in this location on the mid-19th century Parish Tithe Map, or on later available historic maps, although woodland labelled as ‘Mill Wood’ is shown here on the later 19th century First Edition Ordnance Survey map. Transcription of these earthworks was carried out primarily using Simple Local Relief and Positive Openess lidar visualisations. Given their complexity and in places subtle nature, not all visible earthworks have been transcribed and an extent of area polygon has been used to define the approximate limit of the earthworks. Their character and form support the interpretation they represent the extractive pits, stream channels and associated spoil heaps of a possible medieval or post-medieval alluvial tin streamworks which had passed out of use by the mid to late 19th century, by which time the area had been given over to woodland. Although the earthworks are largely random in form, a series of parallel and narrow curvilinear banks interpreted as the spoil heaps of the individual working areas, or tyes, are clearly visible to the east at circa SX600025893. Water used in the washing and processing of the tin-ore was probably sourced from Piall River, via a series of leats. The earthworks are not visible on other available aerial imagery owing to dense tree cover. Their location within Mill Wood would also suggest that a mill, possibly associated with these working, was located in this area. Further investigation, such as a site investigation, is recommended to help define the extent and character of this possible streamworks. More extensive earthworks of streamworks have been recorded further to the south.

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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