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Summary

Site of 17th century battery at the coastguard lookout at Blackstone Point

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses

• National Monuments Record: 445842
• National Trust SMR: 104062
• Old DCC SMR Ref: SX84NE/4

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• BATTERY (XVII - 1601 AD to 1700 AD (Between))

Full description

Ordnance Survey, 1904 - 1906, Second Edition Ordnance Survey 25 inch Map (Cartographic). SDV325644.

Flagstaff shown as 'F.Ss' on early 20th century map as an oval feature on the top of the cliff at Blackstone Point at SX8878749585.

Saunders, A. D., 1965, Dartmouth Castle, 21 (Pamphlet). SDV173182.

Other details: Map.

Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division, 1980, SX84NE3 (Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Card). SDV341527.

A large battery opposite the Blackstone is shown on a plan of 1692. Probably one of the defences constructed in the area following the threat from the Dutch fleet in 1667, and neglected once the crisis had passed.

National Trust, 1984, Dart Estuary, West (Report - non-specific). SDV340982.

A 17th century gun battery was positioned on Blackstone Point and stood where the coastguard lookout is today. A track built in association with the battery forms the path leading up to the road near Compass Cottage.

Ordnance Survey, 1986, Untitled Source (Personal Comment). SDV341528.

Site visited on 6th August 1986. The area cited is traversed by the coast path but otherwise is largely inaccessible, due to a dense growth of thorn bushes and bramble. If the battery exists in any form it is entirely concealed. At SX88794956 a narrow bracken covered shelf 15 metres long is parallel to the cliff and set back 2 metres from the edge. Eroded by cliff fall, it may be the result of slumping; if it is the last vestiges of a battery it did not take account of the advantage of height afforded by setting out some 20 metres back on this steep headland.

Batty, M., 2003, South Devon Coast Path Project: a study of the archaeology along the coast path in the South Hams from Staddon Heights to Sharkham Point, 82 (Un-published). SDV336214.

Site overgrown although there appears to be an earthbank at this location. Just to the west of the coast path is a small wooden cabin used as a yacht club racing post is located at SX88734959 with a flagpost in front which is shown on the 1907 map. This is presumably the coast guard lookout station referred to by the National Trust.

Pink, F., 2014-2015, South Devon Coast Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey Desk-Based Assessment (Interpretation). SDV357736.

Sources / Further Reading

SDV173182	Pamphlet: Saunders, A. D.. 1965. Dartmouth Castle. Department of Environment Guide. Unknown. 21.
SDV325644	Cartographic: Ordnance Survey. 1904 - 1906. Second Edition Ordnance Survey 25 inch Map. Second Edition Ordnance Survey 25 inch Map. Map (Digital).
SDV336214	Un-published: Batty, M.. 2003. South Devon Coast Path Project: a study of the archaeology along the coast path in the South Hams from Staddon Heights to Sharkham Point. Mixed Archive Material. 82.
SDV340982	Report - non-specific: National Trust. 1984. Dart Estuary, West. National Trust Report. A4 Stapled + Digital.
SDV341527	Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Card: Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division. 1980. SX84NE3. Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Card. Card Index.
SDV341528	Personal Comment: Ordnance Survey. 1986.
SDV357736	Interpretation: Pink, F.. 2014-2015. South Devon Coast Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey Desk-Based Assessment. AC Archaeology Report. Digital.
	Linked documents:1

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events: none recorded

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