| Summary : A substantial contour leat is visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs, running from Great Buscombe to Swap Hill (SS 84 SW), Exmoor. In several places the leat is cut by 19th century field boundaries, on Trout Hill for Example, indicating that it predates these features. The leat also lies within an area of extensive 19th century drainage ditches, some of which cut through the the leat. According to the Somerset County Council HER, the leat connects with the water meadow system at Larkbarrow Farm. It seems likely that this feature dates to the mid-19th century and the earlier phase of agricultural improvements by the Knight family. |
More information : A substantial contour leat is visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs, running from Great Buscombe to Swap Hill (SS 84 SW), Exmoor. Beginning at approximately SS 7809 4205 the leat follows the line of the 410 metre contour line for approximately 3.6km, fading from sight at SS 8165 4238. At its widest point, it is reported by Somerset HER to be 3.6m wide and 0.7m deep, with the bank 2.5m wide and 1.1m high on the downslope side.
In several places the leat is cut by 19th century field boundaries, on Trout Hill for Example, indicating that it predates these features. The leat also lies within an area of extensive 19th century drainage ditches, some of which cut through the the leat. According to the Somerset County Council HER, the leat connects with the water meadow system at Larkbarrow Farm. It seems likely that this feature dates to the mid-19th century and the earlier phase of agricultural improvements by the Knight family (1-5). |