Remains of Rifle Range, West Challacombe Farm, Combe Martin, West Exmoor Coast

Record ID:  100666 / MNA148423
Record type:  Monument
Protected Status: None Recorded
NT Property:  West Exmoor Coast; South West
Civil Parish:  Combe Martin; North Devon; Devon
Grid Reference:  SS 59259 48089
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Summary

An oval turf and scrub covered mound (shown on historic maps)

Identification Images (0)

Monument Types

  • RIFLE RANGE (Undated)

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

References

  • SNA62241 - Document: Nick Berry. 2002. Archaeological and Historic Landscape Survey of West Challacombe Farm, Combe Martin, Devon.

  • SZB52483 - National Trust Report: Dr Nick Berry. Archaeological & Landscape Survey of West Challacombe Farm, Combe Martin, Devon.

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

Designations

None Recorded

Other Statuses and References

  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  • HER/SMR Reference (External): SS54NE/131
  • National Park

Associated Events

None Recorded

Associated Finds

None Recorded

Related Records

None Recorded