Summary
The remains of a rifle range and target butts are visible as oval mounds, 13 metres by 10 metres and 2 to 2.5 metres high. They were built after 1887, and derelict by 1963.
Identification Images (0)
Most Recent Monitoring
None Recorded
Monument Types
- (Former Type) RIFLE RANGE (Late 19th C to Early 20th C - 1867 AD to 1932 AD)
Description
1904 OS map shows rifle range centred on SS59014807, with target butts at SS59264809, five range distance markers at SS59084806, SS58994805, SS58904804, SS58814802, and SS58734799, and possibly an associated flag staff at SS59424810. Presumably post-dates 1889 OS map. Disused by 1963, when only the unannotated butts are shown. Remains still evident at SS59264809 as an oval turf and scrub covered mound 13m by 10m overall; 2-2.5m high. Hollow on east side 6.5m by 3m with further small hollow on north east side, c2.5m diameter, 0.3m deep. 10m south of the butts is a rectangular hollow 4.4m north-south by 3m, visible as scarps 1m high, 1.5m wide, possibly a building stance. No trace of distance markers or flag staff survives (RCHM). An oval turf and scrub covered mound (shown on historic maps) 13m N-S x 10m overall, max. 2-2.5m high. Hollow on E side 6.5m x 3m with further small hollow on NE side, 2.5m diameter and 0.3m deep. 10m south of the butts is a rectangular hollow 4.4m N-S x 3m, visible scarps 1m high x 1m wide. Possibly the stance for a small building or hut. It is possible that these features represent the remains of more than one site, not all necessarily associated with the former rifle range. There were distance markers for 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 yards. Nothing remains of these. References: County SMR No: SS54NE-131 / 1904 OS 1:2500 map. [1-3]
Several low sub circular mounds are visible as earthworks on aerial photographs above The Rawns, Combe Martin. At least four sub-circular mounds with associated hollows of varying size are visible, centred at SS 5926 4809. They are in an area at risk from coastal erosion, and further survey will be required to assess the current level of preservation. [4]
As depicted on the 2nd Edition Ordnance Survey map, the target is recorded as a monument polygon, with monument points for the locations of the range distance markers (at 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 yards). [5]
References
- <1> SZB52483 - National Trust Report: Dr Nick Berry. Archaeological & Landscape Survey of West Challacombe Farm, Combe Martin, Devon.
- <2> SZR49084 - National Trust Report: Caroline Thackray. 1984. NT Archaeological Survey, Great and Little Hangman, Devon..
- <3> SNA62241 - Document: Nick Berry. 2002. Archaeological and Historic Landscape Survey of West Challacombe Farm, Combe Martin, Devon.
- <4> SNA69541 - Report: Hegarty, C and Toms, K. 2009. Exmoor National Park National Mapping Programme Management and Summary Report. 616391.
- <5>XY SZJ10882 - Map: Ordnance Survey. 1876-1880. Second edition OS map. 2. [Mapped features: #201070 Targets, ; #201071 Rifle range, ; #201072 Rifle range, ; #201073 Rifle range, ; #201074 Rifle range, ; #201075 Rifle range, ]
Designations
None Recorded
Other Statuses and References
- Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- HER/SMR Reference (External): SS54NE/131
- National Park
Associated Events
- ENA10533 - Heritage Assessment, Exmoor National Park National Mapping Programme
Associated Finds
None Recorded
Related Records
None Recorded