World War Two impact craters, Combe Martin, West Exmoor

Record ID:  100656 / MNA107981
Record type:  Monument
Protected Status: None Recorded
NT Property:  West Exmoor Coast; South West
Civil Parish:  Combe Martin; North Devon; Devon
Grid Reference:  SS 5998 4806
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Summary

A series of seven small trial pits, originally described as 19th Century mineral prospecting remains for iron or manganese. However, due to their regular size and linear placement, they are now thought to be World War Two impact craters.

Identification Images (0)

Most Recent Monitoring

None Recorded

Monument Types

  • (Former Type) PROSPECTING PIT (19th C - 1801 AD to 1900 AD)
  • (Former Type) SPOIL HEAP (19th C - 1801 AD to 1900 AD)
  • IMPACT CRATER (Mid 20th C - 1939 AD to 1945 AD)

Description

A line of seven trial pits 100m west of summit cairn on Great Hangman. 3-3.5m diameter, each has a small spoilheap. Probably associated with 19th century iron/manganese exploration. [1]
A line of small craters are visible on aerial photographs to the west of Great Hangman Cairn. Centred at SS 5988 4806, at least seven craters are visible along the cliff edge, each measuring approximately 2.5 metres in diameter. The craters are aligned in a linear pattern, running northeast to southwest and are most likely to be impact craters, probably relating to Second World War military activity in this area, particularly at Holdstone Down, 2 kilometres to the east, where a number of mortar positions are known to have been situated. Similar craters can be seen at SS 6018 4769. [2]

References

  • <1> SZR49084 - National Trust Report: Caroline Thackray. 1984. NT Archaeological Survey, Great and Little Hangman, Devon..

  • <2>XY SNA69541 - Report: Hegarty, C and Toms, K. 2009. Exmoor National Park National Mapping Programme Management and Summary Report. 1461450 / 616402. [Mapped feature: #197173 WWII impact craters, ]

Designations

None Recorded

Other Statuses and References

  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  • HER/SMR Reference (External): MDE8285
  • HER/SMR Reference (External): SS54NE/129
  • National Monuments Record Reference: SS 54 NE108 /SS 54 NE41
  • National Park: Exmoor
  • Pastscape Reference: 1461450 / 616402

Associated Events

  • ENA501 - Field Survey, NT Archaeological Survey, Great & Little Hangman, Devon
  • ENA10533 - Heritage Assessment, Exmoor National Park National Mapping Programme

Associated Finds

None Recorded

Related Records

None Recorded