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Summary

Linear and curvilinear ditches are visible as earthworks on images derived from lidar data, on the east-facing combe slopes immediately to the east of Sydenham Farm, Rackenford. The earthworks have been interpreted as evidence for a more extensive settlement at Sydenham Farm than now survives, but may simply be former field boundaries.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• FIELD BOUNDARY (Early Medieval to Post Medieval - 1066 AD (Between) to 1750 AD (Between))
• SHRUNKEN VILLAGE? (Medieval - 1066 AD (Between) to 1539 AD (Between))

Full description

University of Exeter, 2020-2021, University of Exeter Unlocking Landscapes Project – validated data, ULDEV279 (Interpretation). SDV365999.

Possible shrunken farm/settlement.

Environment Agency, 2021, University of Exeter Understanding Landscapes Project - Lidar visualisation (Cartographic). SDV366001.

Linear and curvilinear ditches are visible as earthworks.

Hegarty, C., 2024, Comment on Unlocking Landscape project interpretation (Personal Comment). SDV366085.

The visible earthworks define several rectilinear parcels of land which may have contributed to their interpretation as possible evidence for settlement contraction at Sydenham Farm. However, it is probable that they are simply evidence of former field boundaries of medieval to post-medieval date.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments: none recorded

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV9082 - Lidar Survey: University of Exeter Unlocking Landscapes Project

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