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Summary

Linear earthworks interpreted as possible tree planting banks of a post-medieval or 19th century orchard, which had been cleared of trees by the late 19thth century and replanted in the mid-20th century, are visible on aerial photographs taken in 1946.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• ORCHARD (Post Medieval to XIX - 1540 AD to 1900 AD (Between))

Full description

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

The earthworks do not correspond with any features in this location. Orchards are shown in an adjacent land parcel to the south and to the west of Leigh.

Royal Air Force, 1946, RAF/CPE/UK/1890, Devon County Council RAF/CPE/UK/1890 1054-1055 10-DEC-1946 (Aerial Photograph). SDV169268.

Linear banks are visible as earthworks.

Ordnance Survey, 1953-1969, Ordnance Survey map (Cartographic). SDV349895.

Orchards are shown in this location.

Google, 2019, Google Earth Pro, EARTH.GOOGLE.COM 15-JUL-2018 ACCESSED 07-FEB-2020 (Aerial Photograph). SDV363088.

Trees are visible within two of the land parcels.

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.

Parallel earthwork banks, circa 5m wide, are visible on aerial photopapers taken in 1946. The banks are closely spaced and are aligned across the contours of the southwest facing combe slope, occupying three adjacent land parcels of approximately 2.44 hectares. The visible banks do not correspond with any features on the late 19th century First Edition Ordnance Survey map, although orchards are shown in an adjacent land parcel to the south and to the west of Leigh. Orchards in this location support the interpretation that the earthworks represent the remains of post-medieval or 19th century tree planting banks, the fruit trees having been established on the earthworks for increased soil depth and improved drainage. The orchards had evidently been completely cleared by the late 19th century and left as pasture up until between 1953-1969 when the orchards were re-established here. Trees are still present within two of the land parcels on aerial imagery of 2018.

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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