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Summary

Disused rifle range shown on mid 20th century map and aerial photographs. Probably associated with World War Two military activity on Bicton and East Budleigh Commons.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses

• Old DCC SMR Ref: SY08NW/97

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• FIRING RANGE (XVIII to XXI - 1751 AD to 2009 AD (Between))

Full description

Ordnance Survey, 1906, 93NE (Cartographic). SDV102677.

Rifle range not shown.

Royal Air Force, 1946, RAF/106G/UK 1412/4099 (Aerial Photograph). SDV341766.

Ordnance Survey, 1963, Ordnance Survey 6 inch map (Cartographic). SDV166087.

'Rifle Range (Disused)' shown.

Exeter Archaeology, 1999, Archaeological Assessment of Thorn Tree Plantation, near Blackhill Quarry, Woodbury, 5-6 (Report - Assessment). SDV336320.

The rifle range is visible on World War Two aerial photographs and marked on the 1963 Ordnance Survey map, as are associated target butts. Other details: Site 22.

Map object based on this source.

Exeter Archaeology, 2003, East Devon Heathlands Archaeological Survey, 16, Part 2: Gazetteer, Site No. 64 (Report - Survey). SDV101648.

Disused rifle range marked on Ordnance Survey 1956/1961 1:10560 map (SY 0385/0485), including butts, 100, 300 and 500-yard markers (see sites 66, 67, 73). Associated with World War Two camp to south (see site 69). Extends from 500-yard marker at SY 03876 85455 in north- northeast direction to butts at SY 0403 8591.

Butts aligned east-west (actual east-southeast - west-southwest) terraced into south facing slope. Overall area of features circa 55 metres east-west by circa 20 metres north-south. Consists of gravel bank to south, 12.5 metres north-south, with brick revetment wall circa 1.75 metres high to rear (north). To rear (north) of revetment wall is target/machinery trench, 2.10 metres wide, bounded to rear (north) by low brick wall, 0.75 metre high. Iron bars attached to north side of low brick wall are only visible surviving fittings. At east and west end of butts are brick blast shelters with concrete roofs. East shelter measures 8.35 metres north-south by 6.35 metres east-west, western shelter measures 1.6 metres north-south by 1.5 metres east-west. Revetment wall top slightly damaged by present tree growth. Gravel bank of butts eroded by water causing deep undulations.

Map object based on this source.

Exeter Archaeology, 2003, East Devon Heathlands Archaeological Survey, Site No. 64 (Archive - Survey). SDV358490.

Exeter Archaeology, 2003, East Devon Heathlands Archaeological Survey, Site No. 64 (Report - Survey). SDV359019.

Exeter Archaeology, 2003-2004, East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Archaeological Survey, Site No. 2705 (Archive - Survey). SDV351568.

Butts.
See description in East Devon Heathlands Archaeological Survey 16, Part 2: Gazetteer, Site No. 64 - SDV101648.

Exeter Archaeology, 2007, East Devon Access Land Archaeological Survey 2007, 22, Site No. 2705 (Archive - Survey). SDV351571.

Disused rifle range marked on Ordnance Survey 1956/1961 1:10560 map, including butts, 100, 300 and 500-yard markers. Associated with World War Two camp to south. Extends from 500-yard marker at SY0387685455 in north-north-east direction to butts at SY04038591. Details are provided.

Lies on a major trackway running south from Four Firs- Yettington Road. Frequented by walkers, greater activity by the military. Protection during vegetation clearance. Good candidate for interpretation of World War Two features. Butts and blast shelters clearly visible and some markers also visible from the butts.

Exeter Archaeology, 2008, East Devon Access Land Archaeological Survey 2007, 3 and 5, Site No. 2705 (Report - Survey). SDV351570.

Features with World War Two training include pits, banks and firing ranges.

Rifle ranges with component parts including buildings and marker banks.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV4422 - Archaeological Assessment of Thorn Tree Plantation near Blackhill Quarry, Woodbury

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