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Summary

A possible catch meadow of probable post-medieval to 19th century date is visible on aerial photographs of 1987 as cropmarks of narrow curvilinear earthwork ditches and scarps on the south-facing combe slopes south of Weeke Farm.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

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

Full description

Ordnance Survey, 1987, OS/87110, OS/87110 V 069-070 16-AUG-1987OS/87110 V 069-070 16-AUG-1987 (Aerial Photograph). SDV363042.

Cropmarks of curvilinear ditches 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.

Curvilinear ditches and scarps up to 3m wide and circa 160m long are visible as cropmarks on aerial photographs of 1987 extending over approximately 1ha on the south-facing combe slopes south of Weeke Farm.
The cropmarks are interpreted as evidence of former catch meadow gutters, the remains of an irrigation system of probable post-medieval to 19th century date, consisting of curvilinear but roughly parallel channels closely following the contours on the lower combe slopes.
Catch meadows abstracted from springs or streams and used the channels, or gutters, to redistribute it to irrigate the combe slopes. Originating probably in the medieval period they were in widespread use in Devon in the 19th century and continued in use into the mid-20th century.

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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