Target Dugout, Bossington Hill, Holnicote Estate

Record ID:  115525 / MNA167638
Record type:  Monument
Protected Status: None Recorded
NT Property:  Holnicote Estate; South West
Civil Parish:  Selworthy; West Somerset; Somerset
Grid Reference:  SS 9077 4834
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Summary

A dugout for the operation of a “pull-up” target on Bossington Hill is set northwest of the target railway (115523) and is part of the tank training range on the hill. It was previously recorded as an observation post. The remains are visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs.

Identification Images (0)

Monument Types

  • TARGET (Mid 20th C - 1940 AD to 1945 AD)

Description

An observation post on Bossington Hill is set northwest of the target railway (115523) and is part of the tank training range on the hill.A mound of earth and stone is 30m x 20m and 4m high, with an entrance on the north side, where concrete steps go down to a metal door. Some of the concrete roof survives, and part of a target from the target railway has been pushed into the entrance. There are three slit trenches and several lumps of concrete south of the mound. Condition: good. (1)

The structure is now thought to be a dugout for the operation of a “pull-up” target. The frame within the pit is the remains of the mechanism for pulling up and lowering the target. The structure is visible on aerial photographs and was mapped as part of the Severn Estuary RCZAS mapping project. Further information, sources and photograph references are available in the Exmoor National Park HER record MSO8098. (2)

References

  • SNA69539 - Collection: Exmoor National Park Authority. Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record (HER). MSO8098. [Mapped feature: #180815 ]

  • SZN48220 - Unpublished document: Isabel Richardson. 2001. Holnicote Estate Archaeological Survey, Somerset.

Designations

None Recorded

Other Statuses and References

  • HER/SMR Reference (External): MSO8098 Exmoor National Park HER
  • National Park (Exmoor)

Associated Events

  • ENA3149 - Field Survey, Archaeological Survey of the Holnicote Estate 2001
  • ENA10529 - Heritage Assessment, Severn Estuary Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey: National Mapping Programme

Associated Finds

None Recorded

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