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Summary

One of a number of fish weirs recorded as a hazard to shipping in the early 19th century. Remains recorded in 2003, with 80 stakes of southern wing visible.

Location

Protected Status

• SHINE: Structural remains of Fish Weir and walled coastal inlet, west of Allen's Rock, Fremington

Other References/Statuses

• Old DCC SMR Ref: SS53SW/144
• SHINE Candidate (Yes)

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• FISH WEIR (Unknown date)

Full description

Humphreys, C. + Mandry, A., 2001, Fish Traps Project, 5, 7 (Article in Serial). SDV342249.

List of fish weirs recorded as shipping hazards on 19th century charts. Allen's Rock, number 11, is extant. Located in 2001 by members of North Devon Archaeological Society . A row of posts runs at an acute angle between the shore and the rock, which itself appears to form part of the return arm of the V-shape construction of a fish weir.

Preece, C., 2002, Fish Weirs: As Irritating As Traffic Cones, 10 (Article in Serial). SDV342210.

Extract from Denham map of 1832 shows fish weirs as chevron-like features. Allen's Rock weir (number 11) was sucessfully located in March 2002 by members of North Devon Archaeological Society.

Preece, C., 2003, Fish Weirs Update, 14 (Article in Serial). SDV342261.

Survey of weir number 11, Allen's Rock. A total of 80 measurements were recorded, and given that the return could not be located, this represents a sizeable structure.

Preece, C., 2005, A Conflict of Interests: the Fish Traps of the Taw and Torridge Estuaries, 154 (Article in Serial). SDV342251.

The siting of this 'V' shaped weir is noteworthy as it appears to use the eddies flowing either side of Allen's Rock to maximise entrapment of fish. The remains of the weir were surveyed in 2003 by members of North Devon Archaeological Society. About 80 stakes of the southern wing were recorded, some barely visible stumps which needed careful identification prior to survey, but the return of the weir could not be located. The landward end of the southern wing is splayed, increasing the trap's effectiveness, and the differential density of stakes suggests a number of rebuilds. Other details: Figures 3, 12.

Wessex Archaeology, 2007, RMB Chivenor Flood Defence Scheme Barnstaple, Devon: Archaeological Desk-based Assessment, 10 (Report - Assessment). SDV342125.

Other details: WA 139.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments: none recorded

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV4490 - RMB Chivenor Flood Defence Scheme Barnstaple, Devon: Archaeological Desk-based Assessment
• EDV4719 - Research and Survey of Fish Weirs on the Rivers Taw and Torridge

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