WESTWOOD, LAND ADJOINING JUNCTION 27 ON M5, MID DEVON

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT

Prepared for

GL HEARN

Mills Whipp Projects Ltd., 40, Bowling Green Lane, London EC1R 0NE

020 7415 7044 [email protected]

October 2014

WESTWOOD, LAND ADJOINING JUNCTION 27 ON M5

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT

Contents

1. Introduction & site description

2. Report Specification

3. Planning Background

4. Archaeological & Historical Background

5. List of Heritage Assets

6. Landscape Character Assessment

7. Archaeological Assessment

8. Impact Assessment

9. Conclusions

Appendix 1 Archaeological Gazetteer Appendix 2 Sources Consulted

Figures

Fig.1 Site Location Fig.2 Archaeological Background Fig.3 Saxton 1575 Fig.4 Donn 1765 Fig.5 Cary 1794 Fig.6 Ordnance Survey 1802 Fig.7 Ordnance Survey 1809 Fig.8 Ordnance Survey 1830 (Unions) Fig.9 Ordnance Survey 1850 (Parishes) Fig.10 Ordnance Survey 1890 Fig.11 Ordnance Survey 1906 Fig.12 Ordnance Survey 1945 (Landuse) Fig.13 Ordnance Survey 1962 Fig.14 Ordnance Survey 1970 Fig.15 Ordnance Survey 1993 Fig.16 Site Survey Plan 1. INTRODUCTION & SITE DESCRIPTION

1.1 Mills Whipp Projects has been commissioned by GL Hearn to prepare a Desk Based Assessment of archaeology for the Westwood site on the eastern side of Junction 27 of the M5 (Figs.1, 2 & 17).

1.2 The site is centred on National Grid Reference ST 0510 1382 and is approximately 90 ha (222 acres) in area. It lies immediately to the east of the Sampford Peverell Junction 27 of the M5. Its northern side lies adjacent to Higher Houndaller Farmhouse while the southern end is defined by Andrew’s Plantation, the lane leading to Mountstephen Farm and Mountstephen Cottages (Fig.16). Its western side lies adjacent to the M5 and its eastern side is defined by the A318.

1.3 In undertaking this work the following documents have been adhered to:  Institute of Field Archaeologists - Code of Conduct  Institute of Field Archaeologists, 2012 Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Desk-based Assessments  English Heritage, 1991 - Management of Archaeological Projects

1.4 Guidance for the general content of the Desk Based Assessment has been taken from Standard and Guidance for Desk-Based Assessment (Institute for Archaeologists [IfA] 2012) and also the Practice Guide published by Communities and Local Government, English Heritage and DCMS – ‘PPS5 Planning for the Historic Environment: Historic Environment Planning Practice Guide – which remains valid despite the replacement of PPS5 with NPPF.

1.5 Westwood, the application site, is bisected from east to west by the A38, although the southern portion is approximately twice as large as the northern. The development scheme comprises a leisure destination on the southern side of the A38 and a commercial development on its northern side. At this stage of the design process no details have been fixed in terms of the layout as the emerging scheme is illustrative. Therefore it is not possible to produce a detailed impact assessment until a later date in the evolution of the project but given the scale of the site, there is likely to be sufficient scope to integrate suitable mitigation measures.

2. REPORT SPECIFICATION

Report status

2.1 The assessment has been prepared to ascertain the archaeological potential of the subject site and is intended form part of the outline planning application documentation for the redevelopment of the site. An assessment of the settings of, and views from, designated heritage assets, as required by MDDC’s Policy DM27 paragraph e, is to be undertaken elsewhere.

Origin and scope of the report: Mid Devon District Council’s Scoping Opinion)

2.2 Mills Whipp Projects has been commissioned by G.L. Hearn to prepare an archaeological desk based assessment of the subject site (Fig.1). The purpose of this report is to identify the archaeological implications of the proposed development.

2.3 During the preparation of the desk based assessment Devon County Council’s Historic Environment Record (HER) was consulted for an area of 2km radius (Fig. 2) centred on ST 0510 1382 with relevant data drawn from a wider area. Information from aerial photographs is also contained within the HER. Aerial photographs were further inspected at the Exeter County Council’s Historic Environment offices. The chief cartographic sources have been used and a selection of these is appended as illustrations. Landscape characterisations have been drawn from Devon County Council’s Historic Environment Service and English Heritage. The Desk Based Assessment of archaeology will also provide background information to supplement Written Scheme of Investigations (WSIs) for any future geophysical or intrusive investigations.

Aims and Objectives

2.4 A desk based assessment as defined by the Institute of Field Archaeologists (IFA, 2001) will:

“determine, as far as is reasonably possible from existing records, the nature of the archaeological resource within a specified area. It will be undertaken using appropriate methods and practices which will satisfy the stated aims of the project, and which comply with the Code of Conduct, Code of Approved Practice for the Regulation of Contractual Arrangements in Field Archaeology, and other relevant Bylaws of the Institute of Field Archaeologists.”

2.5 A desk based assessment represents:

“a programme of assessment within a specified area or site on land, inter-tidal zone or underwater. It consists of a collation of existing written, graphic, photographic and electronic information in order to identify the likely character, extent, quality and worth of the known or potential archaeological resource in a local, national or international context as appropriate.”

“a programme of assessment of the known or potential archaeological resource within a specified area or site on land, inter-tidal zone or underwater. It consists of a collation of existing written, graphic, photographic and electronic information in order to identify the likely character, extent, quality and worth of the known or potential archaeological resource in a local, regional, national or international context as appropriate.”

2.6 The purpose of desk-based assessment is to:

“gain information about the known or potential archaeological resource within a given area or site, (including its presence or absence, character and extent, date, integrity, state of preservation and relative quality of the potential archaeological resource) in order to make an assessment of its merit in context, leading to one or more of the following:

the formulation of a strategy to ensure the recording, preservation or management of the resource

the formulation of a strategy for further investigation, whether or not intrusive, where the character and value of the resource is not sufficiently defined to permit a mitigation strategy or other response to be devised

the formulation of a proposal for further archaeological investigation within a programme of research.”

2.7 The submission of a desktop report to accompany a planning application conforms with the intent of paragraph 7 (under ‘The Role of Public Authorities and Planners’) of the Code of Good Practice established by the Cultural Heritage Committee of the Council of Europe (CHCE 2000), which states that before taking decisions affecting the archaeological heritage, planners should

“obtain adequate information and advice, applying non-destructive methods of investigation wherever possible; and also with the intent of paragraph 1 (under ‘The Role of Architects and Developers’) which states that the purpose [of assessment] will be not only to establish if it is necessary to dig but also to build a picture of [the site’s] morphology and its potential.”

Methodology

2.8 The assessment has been carried out in accordance with guidance from various bodies including the Institute of Field Archaeologists and the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers (see above). In summary the work has involved identifying the client’s objectives, identifying the sources available for consultation, assembling, consulting and examining these sources.

2.9 Survival of archaeological deposits on the subject site depends on previous land-use, so an assessment has been made of the destructive effect of the previous and present activity.

2.10 In order that the appropriate archaeological response can be identified, consideration has been given to the need for either further assessment and/or field evaluation work to identify and locate surviving deposits on the site.

3. Planning Background

General

3.1 The proposed development of the site is subject to planning guidance and policies contained within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This has influenced and guided the development of Mid Devon District Council’s Core Strategy and Local Plan. These recognise the importance of heritage assets.

National Guidance: National Planning Policy Framework

3.2 In March 2012 the government published the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which replaces national policy relating to heritage and archaeology (Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment). It aims to provide a simpler and clearer policy framework for the Government’s planning policies which ‘must be taken into account in the preparation of local and neighbourhood plans’ (NPPF, 2012, 1). Its principal objective is to ‘contribute to the achievement of sustainable development’ and so there is a presumption in favour of such developments. This involves seeking ‘positive improvements in the quality of the built, natural and historic environment’ (ibid).

3.3 Within the planning system a set of 12 core land-use planning principles should underpin plan-making and decision-taking. That relating to the historic environment states that planning should: ‘conserve heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance, so that they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of life of this and future generations’.

3.4 Section 12 of the NPPF ‘Conserving and enhancing the historic environment’ provides guidance for planning authorities, property owners and developers. In summary its key points are:

 Local Plans should set out to promote a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment.

 Local Planning Authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected. The level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance. In the case of archaeology a desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation may be required.

 Any harm or loss of a heritage asset or in some cases its setting, should require clear and convincing justification.  Where proposed development will harm a designated heritage asset LPAs should refuse consent unless there are exceptional circumstances. Where proposals lead to less than substantial harm, this harm should be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal.  The effect of proposals on non-designated heritage assets should also be taken into account in determining an application. A balance of judgement will be required having regard to the scale of any harm and the significance of the heritage asset.

Mid Devon Local Plan (adopted October 2013)

3.5 The Local Plan works in conjunction with National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF March 2012). Following its publication Local Development Frameworks were re-branded as Local Plans. This is acknowledged within the Mid Devon Local Plan Part 3 which states that it operates “a presumption in favour of sustainable development” and that the “pursuit of sustainable development involves seeking positive improvements in the quality of… natural and historic environment…”

3.6 The Mid Devon Local Plan is made up of three parts and accompanied by an Adopted Policies Map:- Part I: Core Strategy (adopted 2007) Part II: Allocations and Infrastructure Development Plan Document (AIDPD) Part III: Development Management Policies

Part 1 covers the Core Strategy adopted in July 2007. It contains the overall spatial strategy and policies for the area.

Part 2 covers the Allocations and Infrastructure Development Plan Document (AIDPD). It was adopted in October 2010 and contains policies on District-wide matters including infrastructure provision and development strategy and includes some development land allocations

Part 3 was adopted in October 2013 and contains “topic-based policies to guide specific development proposals” including archaeology and heritage. It sets out to “promote sustainable development… and protects the environment from significant harm and inappropriate development”.

Table 1: Replacement policies

UDP saved Replaced by Core Replaced by policies (2006) Strategy Policy Development Management Policy Policy ENV5 DM27 Policy ENV6 DM27 Policy ENV7 CS5 DM27 Policy ENV8 DM27 Policy ENV9 DM27 Policy ENV11 DM27 Policy ENV12 DM27

3.7 ‘Policy DM27: Development affecting heritage assets Heritage assets and their settings are in an irreplaceable resource. Accordingly the Council will: a) Apply a presumption in favour of preservation in situ in respect of the most important heritage assets. b) Require development proposals likely to affect heritage assets and their settings, including new buildings, alterations, extensions, changes of use and demolitions, to consider their significance, character setting and local distinctiveness, and the opportunities to enhance them. c) Only approve proposals that would be likely to substantially harm heritage assets and their settings if substantial public benefit outweighs that harm or the requirements of paragraph 133 of the National Planning Policy Framework are met. d) Where a development proposal would lead to less than substantial harm, that harm will be weighed against any public benefit, including securing optimum viable use. e) Require developers to make a proportionate but sympathetic assessment of the impact on setting as set down in the guidance from English Heritage: “The Setting of Heritage Assets”.

3.8 DM27, paragraph 5.1 defines heritage assets as ‘those parts of the historic environment that have significance because of their historic, archaeological, architectural or artistic interest over and above their functional utility and covers both designated and non-designated assets.’ Heritage assets may include buildings, monuments, sites, places or landscapes identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions.

3.9 DM27, paragraph 5.3 states that where a proposed development will have the potential to impact upon a heritage asset or its setting, the Council will require the applicant to submit sufficient information to enable a description of a heritage asset affected and a consideration of the impact of the development upon it. This may take the form of an appropriately detailed desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation.

4. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Geology and Topography

4.1 The subject site lies on basal geology referred to as the Devon Redlands composed of Permian basal breccias, mudstones and sandstones including Red Sandstone. This geology creates a well- drained, fertile soil suitable for arable farming (MDDC 2012). Hill Head quarry, approximately 1km east of the site, targets the bunter pebble beds for the construction industry and occupies an area of 35 ha (Gaz. ref. 31). Just to the north by the A38, gravel was quarried in the 19th century (Gaz. ref. 1).

4.2 The red soils derive from the New Red Sandstone strata which is interposed between the older Carboniferous and Devonian formations to the west and the younger Jurassic beds to the east (Barlow 1969 23). Generally, the soils developed from this geology are fertile and are described by Mid Devon District Council as ‘Grade 3’ i.e. good to moderate quality principally used for arable crops, cereals and grass. For much of the application site’s past, however, cartographic evidence indicates that it was occupied by moorland (Leonard Moor) (Figs. 6 & 7) until its mid-19th century enclosure (Fig. 10). The lateness of its enclosure could also indicate that the soil is of moderate quality. The site is now under mixed pasture, arable and woodland.

4.3 The application site lies on undulating ground on the eastern side of the Spratford stream’s narrow floodplain at the point where the River Lyner joins it from the west. The north-western side of the application site might contain potential palaeoenvironmental material preserved in waterlogged alluvial deposits (Exeter Archaeology, 2007). This stream forms a northern tributary of the Culm draining southwest into the main river at Cullompton, approximately 7km south of the site. The Culm system drains the northern part of the Blackdown Hills which lay several kilometres east of the site. Generally the broad floodplain of the Culm is used predominantly for permanent pasture leading southwards into the Mid Devon farming belt characterised by a gently rolling landscape. The Blackdown Hills to the east was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1991.

4.4 The site itself mostly lies at an elevation of 80m to 90m. To the east this rises to over 100m rising to 150m a little further north of Appledore. On the western side of the Spratford Stream it rises to 100m, this contour being followed by the Grand Western Canal (Gaz. ref. 30) Palaeolithic

4.5 Although worked flints have been found in Devon dating as far back as the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic where Acheulean and Mousterian handaxes have been found in the lower Breccia deposits, most notably Kent’s Cave, Torquay, there are no entries in the HER dataset for this period within the study area.

Mesolithic

4.6 Although Mesolithic material has previously mostly come from coastal locations, inland it is seen on Dartmoor and near Denbury, however, there are no entries in the HER dataset for the period within the study area.

Neolithic

4.7 By about 4500 BC more settled communities appeared in Britain which were partially or entirely dependent on agriculture. The change in economy is reflected in different tools. Polished flint axes, distinct arrowheads, querns and sickles are found. In addition, pottery appears in the archaeological record for the first time.

4.8 In Mid Devon wheat and barley is known to have been grown at Hembury in the Otter Valley south of the study area. Flint for axes was imported from the east or from around Land’s End in Cornwall. In the study area aerial photographs have revealed crop marks adjacent to Jersey Farm located centrally on the western side of the site (Fig.16, SK-19-02) (Gaz. ref. 2). The roughly circular crop marks were observed in the northern part of the field east of the farm. The regularity of them suggest the possibility of an anthropomorphic influence, possibly prehistoric or Roman enclosures, however, on closer inspection of the original photograph, it is likely they are geological in origin; possibly a periglacial formation in the substrata. Further linear marks have been detected by aerial photography south-east of Boehill Farm north of Sampford Peverell (Gaz. ref. 3). They could represent a rectangular enclosure.

4.9 South of the site, in the vicinity of Langlands Farm just north of Willand, a geophysical survey in 2012 covering 5 ha identified a circular ditch of possible prehistoric date (Gaz. ref. 4). Four worked flints were also retrieved from topsoil during a watching brief although no archaeological features were recorded (Intervention Ref: CA 4152). Two of the flints were of Greensand Chert probably from the Blackdown Hills. The flints probably dated to the Neolithic or Early Bronze Age.

4.10 Just to the south of the study area at Four Ways Cross on the northern side of Willand, Exeter Archaeology carried out a series of excavations in 2006 / 07 (Steinmetzer 2008). The earliest features recorded were early Neolithic in date and consisted of elements of a segmented penannular ring-ditch which may represent the remains of a mortuary enclosure. These remains were partially protected from modern ploughing by a ‘thick layer of accumulated soils’. Twenty-three fragments of worked flint and twelve sherds of Neolithic pottery were recovered from the primary ditch fill and further flints and pottery from stratigraphically higher fills.

4.11 Two worked flints were also recovered during a watching brief at Pugham Farm approximately 500m north of the site (Gaz. ref. 5). Again, no archaeological features were recorded. A Neolithic polished axe was also discovered during construction works for the North Devon Link Road just north of Sampford Peverell station within the floodplain of the Spratford Steam (Gaz. ref. 6).

Bronze Age

4.12 Generally, there is evidence for the influence of the Beaker culture in the second millennium along Devon’s south coast and in the Otter Valley (Barlow 1969 139). A proliferation of burial mounds in the Bronze Age indicates a rapid increase in population of Devon following the beginning of the sub-Boreal climatic conditions. Concentrations of cemeteries have been discovered in the lower Exe river system well to the southwest and downstream of the site, while the mid-Devon claylands may have remained under dense forest and archaeological evidence of landuse here is very limited; likewise the Blackdown hills where the acidic sandy soil produced heathland which may have yielded poor crops and pasture (Barlow 1969 140). Elsewhere settlement types indicate both arable and pastoral landuse.

4.13 The earliest bronze objects in Devon date to about 2500 BC. Production of this metal was a massive technological leap forward. It was used for tools, weapons and ornaments, although flint also continued to be used. Details of Bronze Age life have been derived from excavations across the county although these have concentrated on burial sites.

4.14 The principal early Bronze Age burial was within a round barrow surrounded by a ditch. These are widespread in Devon. They typically stood in open ground as extensive forest clearance took place. Generally, during this period the agricultural regime was consolidated and there are indications of formalised land tenure leading to stable farming settlements on the lighter soils.

4.15 Within the study area there are no Bronze Age entries on the Historic Environment Record for Devon, however, just to the south of the study area Exeter Archaeology recorded Bronze Age material. Excavations at Four Ways Cross (2006 / 07) recorded an ‘L’ shaped ditch, one side at least 46m long , which produced three sherds of Bronze Age pottery from its fill. This suggests a possible Bronze Age field representing farming just beyond the eastern side of the Spratford floodplain and indicates Bronze Age land management within the area.

Iron Age

4.16 Iron Age society was tribal and some details of the Iron Age world were recorded by classical writers. Devon belonged to the Dumnonii. Excavation has shown the population lived in round houses in scattered undefended farmsteads. They kept cattle, pigs, and horses and grew wheat and barley. Defended forts were also built. In the area of the Blackdown Hills to the north-east of the site, fourteen hill slope enclosures of Iron Age date have been identified.

4.12 Within the study area there are very few references to possible Iron Age sites listed in the HER. Aerial photographs have identified a limited number of undated crop marks in the study area, some of which might be Iron Age. Approximately 200m east of the site a square enclosure with c. 15m sides was identified by aerial photography on the hillside at Waterloo Cross (Gaz. ref. 7). Immediately to the south a small circular mark was also visible with other linear marks in the field. Another enigmatic feature which could be late prehistoric in date is the small (20m - 28m) enclosure identified on Uffculme Down (Gaz. ref. 8). Unfortunately, it was levelled by 19th century ploughing.

4.13 Just beyond the southern limit of the study area, Exeter Archaeology’s 2006/7 excavations at Four Ways Cross recorded a ring-ditch c. 13m in diameter. 146 sherds of Early Iron Age pottery were recovered from the fill of the ditch and 115 from the southern terminus but the internal structure had been lost through ploughing (Steinmetzer 2008).

4.14 Although the exact nature of the prehistoric activity represented by these finds cannot be determined with any certainty, neither do finds distribution patterns suggest any focus for activity, aerial photographic evidence and finds from the Lowman valley on the western side of the M5 demonstrate a concentration of prehistoric and Romano British activity in this area (Sampford Peverell, 2008) while the results of archaeological investigations at Four Ways Cross show that Iron Age landuse extended into the Spratford valley.

Roman

4.15 The conquest of lowland Britain after 43 AD exposed the country to the consumerism of the Roman Empire and exotic and high status goods appear more frequently in local economies. Aerial photography has revealed evidence for Roman forts within the Mid Devon landscape to the north of Tiverton and west of Cullompton, at Bury Barton and east of Bampton (MDDC Landscape Assessment 2010). A Roman fort has also been recorded just south of Willand accompanied by a small settlement in the vicinity of the confluence of the River Culm and the Spratford Stream a few kilometres downstream of the application site. Several undated features were also recorded during investigations at Four Ways Cross on the northern side of Willand. They included two phases of ditches, the earlier one forming a large enclosure which might be Roman – but could also be Bronze Age (Steinmetzer 2008). The base of a Roman cooking pot was recovered from the fill of a pit cutting an enclosure ditch.

4.16 Aerial photographic evidence and finds from the Lowman valley on the western side of the M5 demonstrate ‘a concentration of prehistoric and Romano British activity’ (Sampford Peverell, 2008). In the study area aerial photographs have revealed crop marks adjacent to Jersey Farm located centrally on the western side of the site (Fig.16, SK-19- 02) (Gaz. ref. 2). Circular crop marks were observed in the northern part of the field east of the farm - although on inspection of the AP the features may well be geological in origin. Also the line of a possible Roman road was revealed by LiDAR data to the east of Willand, several kilometres south of the site (Gaz. ref. 9, it has not been plotted on Figure 2 as it lies well south of the study area).

4.17 Although the evidence of Roman activity in the vicinity of Willand, approximately 2.5km south of the application site, is in some cases tentative, if suggests the potential for Roman land management activity in the vicinity of the Spratford Stream.

4.18 Roman life came to an end towards the end of the 4th century in Devon where the civil government may have ended as the Forum at Exeter was in decay by AD 380.

Saxon

4.19 From the early 5th century a steady stream of Germanic tribes settled and took over lowland Briton. In Devon, however, there are indications of the Dumnonii’s growing independence at this time as local kings are referred to in documents e.g. Gildas. This era of post- Roman independence may have lasted until the end of the seventh century.

4.20 During the 7th and 8th centuries a discernible change in the management of the mid Devon landscape took place. After the main woodland clearance of the Late Iron Age, the incorporation of mid Devon into the Roman province appears to have had little impact on patterns of landscape. Palaeoenvironmental evidence, however, suggests that from the 7th century onwards this was no longer the case; patterns of landuse now being influenced by the introduction of agriculture referred to as ‘convertible husbandry’ (Rippon, Fyte & Brown 2006). This form of land management may have ‘been the context for the creation of today’s historic landscape of small hamlets and isolated farmsteads set within a near continuous fieldscape, replacing the late prehistoric ‘Romano-British / post-Roman landscape of small enclosed settlements with only very localised evidence for field systems’ (ibid).

4.21 In Mid Devon the rural economy was focused on compacted, nucleated villages e.g. Sampford Peverell, (sandy ford), just over 1km north-west of the site. Sampford Peverell is likely to have developed along the road linking Tiverton with Wellington. Its lands were held by a feudal lord and the existence of a pre-conquest settlement is attested by the ‘Sanforda’ entry in Domesday, although no archaeological evidence is known for it (Sampford Peverell, 2008). An estate charter dated AD 958 refers to the estate’s boundary in several places to the west of the application site (Gaz. refs. 10 – 14). It appears to extend as far north-east as Pugham Farm, approximately 500m north-east of the application site, and almost as far west as Sampford Peverell. At Pugham Farm, previously Ashford Moor, the boundary was ‘carried by a ditch and hedgebank’ (Gaz. Ref. 14). There are no finds of Saxon date listed within the HER for the study area.

Mediaeval

4.21 Following the Norman invasion of 1066 the country was rapidly parcelled out to the new overlords. The vicinity of the subject site was dominated by the settlements at Sampford Peverell, Uffculme and Willand. This rudimentary settlement pattern may still be seen on Saxton’s map of 1575 and later maps (Fig. 3). The application site lay on the eastern fringe of the Spratford Stream’s floodplain water meadow. This area was occupied by Leonard Moor which survived until its enclosure in the 19th century. The southern fringe of the moorland (later referred to as ‘No Man’s Land) may have formed the southern parish boundary while the 100 metre contour on the eastern side of the moor is roughly followed by the lane from Willand northwards to Waterloo Cross, later the A3181.

4.22 Local communities throve in the surrounding area, the economy based mostly on local farming but with some industrial activity. Early mediaeval ironworking has been recorded in the general area with sites at Burlescombe and Hemyock to the east of the study area. At Hemyock there is also a mediaeval and post mediaeval pottery production site (John Valentine pers com.). Within the study area, the successor to the Saxon settlement at Sampford Peverell prospered. In the 12th century the manor there was granted to William Peverell and in 1259 the parish church of St John the Baptist was consecrated, of which a significant quantity of the original fabric survives. The village may have become a borough in the 14th century with a 2 day annual fair and a weekly market (Sampford Peverell, 2008). The parish boundary between Sampford Peverell and Burlescombe tends to follow the Spratford Stream, running along the western side of the application site (Gaz. Ref. 15).

4.23 The parish of Burlescombe, in which most of the site is located, lay within the hundred of Bampton and the tithing of South-Appledore on the south side of the Spratford stream, the hundred of Halberton lay on its northern side (Lysons 1822 69). The manor originally belonged to the Claville family from the conquest but by about 1600 it had passed on to Henry Ayshford where it remained until the 19th century. The family seat, Ayshford Court, lay in the hundred of Halberton on the north side of the Spratford Stream (Gaz. ref. 21). The settlement at Uffculme lay in the hundred of Bampton approximately 2km east of the site. The manor of Uffclume was originally held by Walter de Douay but by the 19th century had passed to the Duchy of Lancaster.

4.24 During the 12th -14th century many farms were established across the landscape of Mid Devon and there are numerous examples of farmhouses from this period within the study area (MDDC 2012). Pugham Farm lies approximately 500m north of the application site and is first referred to as ‘Pogeham’ in the 12th century (Gaz. Refs. 5 & 18). There is a later reference to ‘Pogeham Bridge, and ‘Pogham Mill’ mentioned in the foundation charter of Cansleigh Abbey in 1166. Two sherds of mediaeval pottery were recovered from topsoil during a watching brief here but no archaeological features were recorded. Later in the 15th and 16th centuries many more farmhouses were built within the Mid Devon farming belt most were of open-halled plan (MDDC 2012). A mediaeval farmhouse, first mentioned in 12th century, is listed at Houndaller just east of the application site (Gaz. Ref. 19). The current building probably dates from the 16th / 17th century and is Grade II listed (ref: 1106461). Of note is the inclusion of the horse engine or round house within the range of farm buildings and an earthen bank representing the later parish boundary. The site of a kiln in known to lie close by and is shown on the later tithe map. Of similar date is the farmhouse at Appledore Barton which lies approximately 1km east of the northern end of the application site and is also Grade II listed (Gaz. Ref. 20). It consists of a ‘three unit and cross passage plan’ (relatively common in Devon) with a later linhay. Another farmhouse, ‘Hill Head Farmhouse’, lies just to the south-east and is also Grade II listed (Ref: 1325872).

4.25 During the mediaeval period farming practice produced small irregular fields enclosed by hedgebanks with traces of ridge and furrow indicating past cultivation. Exeter Archaeology suggested that an area of ‘fossilised’ mediaeval open fields, later enclosed, are shown on the 1841 Burlescombe Tithe map and the 1890 Ordnance survey map (Gaz. refs. 16 & 17). This area is now bisected by the M5 motorway but the remains of ancient fields survive on either side. That on the eastern side of the M5 lies on the western side of the application site (Gaz. Ref. 16). An area of possible ridge and furrow earthworks was identified on aerial photographs in 1979 approximately 1.5km west of the application site to the south of Venn Farm at Halberton (Gaz. Ref. 17).

4.26 Two manor houses are recorded within the study area, Ashford Court and Bridwell House (Gaz. Refs. 21 and 22). Ashford Court dates from the late 15th century with 16th and 17th century improvements and is formed of a group of buildings around a courtyard which include a chapel, gatehouse, water mills and farm buildings (barns and stables). It lies approximately 1km north of the application site. Before the conquest it belonged to ‘ulward’ and in Domesday is referred to as ‘aiseforda’. The surviving buildings are Grade II (ref: 1147593) and Grade II* listed (refs: 1147581; 1106464) while the 15th century private chapel is Grade I listed (ref: 1325900).

4.27 The second manor house, Bridwell House, lies approximately 1km south-east of the application site. It was first documented in 1280 and in the 15th / 16th century was noted as a long house (Gaz. Ref. 22). The surviving buildings include the 18th century house, stables, the park, chapel, farmhouse and garden. Bridwell Park is Grade I listed (ref: 1326159). Unfortunately the range of barns fronting the road south-west of Old Bridwell lost much of its historic fabric and significant features and is viewed as “no longer of special interest” although the range of buildings 20 metres west of Old Bridwell is listed as a Grade II Building (Ref: 1326167). The chapel and stables north-east of the park are Grade II* listed (refs: 1105882 & 1168895). Bridwell Park is designated Grade II (Register of Parks and Gardens 1000688). It is a late 18th century landscaped park and woodland with grounds around the house of 13 ha. Much of the surrounding land has been returned to agriculture. A ‘low mound’ approximately 5m in diameter lies in the parkland in front of Bridwell House but its date is unknown although it may be connected to 18th century landscaping.

4.28 A deer park is known to have pre-dated ‘Cogan’s park’ at Uffclume (Gaz. Ref. 23). In 1336 Richard Coggan was granted permission to enclose his wood at Uffculme and 300 acres of land for a park.

Mediaeval Parish and Manor Backgrounds

4.29 The subject site lies within three parishes, each with its distinct but unremarkable history. These are summarised below. The site lies largely within the parish and manor of Burlescombe (see Fig.9).

Burlescombe

4.30 Burlescombe lies in the Hundred of Bampton on the borders of Somerset. The parish was previously divided into four tithings; Town tithing, South- Appledore, Ayshford, and Westleigh. Ayshford and Westleigh are the principal villages.

4.31 The manor belonged to the family of Claville from 1066 until about 1370. It was granted in 1398 to Richard Warre, as one of the heirs of Sir Henry Percehay, baron of the Exchequer. About the year 1600 it was sold by Richard Warre to Henry Ayshford from whom it has descended until about 1820. The lords of this manor had the power of inflicting capital punishment.

4.32 About 5 km to the north of the subject site at Canonleigh lay an Augustinian Priory founded in the 12th century by Walter Claville. This was changed in the 13th century by Maud de Clare Countess of Gloucester to a House for an Abbess and canonesses. Its revenues were estimated at the time of the Dissolution at £197 nett. A market at Canonleigh was granted to the Abbess in 1286, to be held on Wednesdays. At the Dissolution the site was granted in exchange for other lands to Sir George St. Leger, whose son sold it to Hugh Columb. Subsequently, it changed hands many times.

Sampford Peverell

4.33 Sampford Peverell lies in the Hundred of Halberton and was a Borough with the right to hold two annual fairs. In the 17th century the village had been a centre for cloth production but by the 19th century this had declined almost to extinction.

4.34 The manor of Sampford was the seat of the Peverells, from the 12th century. The co-heiresses of Sir Thomas Peverell, the last of the family, married into the Cottle family. Sir Elias Cottle owned Sampford Peverell in the early 14th century. It was afterwards successively in the families of Dinham and Aisthorpe. Upon the death of Sir William Aisthorpe childless, it was granted in the early 15th century to the Earl of Somerset, from whom it descended to Margaret, Countess of Richmond, (mother of King Henry VII.) who is said to have lived at Sampford. Sir Amias Paulet purchased this estate in the early 16th century and Sampford became one of the seats of the Paulet family. Sir Amias Paulet, (the grandson,) one of Queen Elizabeth's confidential servants, who had the custody of the Queen of Scots at the time of her execution, lived at Sampford.

4.35 The manor and demesnes of Sampford Peverell were sold at various times between 1806 and 1809, by Earl Paulet. The castle, or castellated mansion, of Sampford Peverell, appears to have been built by Oliver Dinham, c.1337. The ruins were demolished in 1755. In the parish-church is the monument of Lady Margaret Paulet, 1602; and that of the wife of Henry Daubeney, Esq., 1801.

Uffculme

4.36 Uffculme lies in the Hundred of Bampton near the border of Somerset. From the 17th century onwards the area was a centre for the cloth trade particularly serge which was exported to Holland. By the 19th century this has declined.

4.37 The manor of Uffculm, which was held by Walter de Douay at the time of the Domesday (1086), and became parcel of the barony of Bampton, was subsequently broken up. It is probable that the lords of Bampton had a seat here: part of the estate is still called Cogan's Park. The manor was later held by the Duchy of Lancaster. In the mediaeval period two annual fairs were granted. The sweating sickness raged in the area in 1551. Out of 38 burials entered in that year, 27 were in the first 11 days of August, and 16 of them in three days. The disease of which these persons died is called, in the parish-register, "the hote sickness or stup-gallant". The cause of this disease is unknown.

4.38 In the parish-church are monuments of Sir William Walrond, 1663; Nicholas Ayshford, 1701; and some other ancient monuments without name or date.

Post Mediaeval

4.39 Sheep grazing developed into an important component of the rural economy from the 16th century and by the 18th century Sampford Peverell and Uffclume became important centres for the woollen industry, Uffclume being noted for its serge. Much of the work was carried out as a cottage industry. Late 18th century cartographic evidence shows the old field boundaries on the eastern side of Sampford Peverell including a large number of strip fields prior to their enclosure in the 19th century (Sampford Peverell 2008). But the moorland and pasture on the eastern side of the Spratford Steam’s water meadows would have provided grazing land in the vicinity of the application site. Unfortunately, early maps by Donn in 1765 (Fig. 4) and that of Cary in 1794 (Fig. 5) only show the rudimentary pre- enclosure distribution of topography with the site occupying Leonard Moor.

4.40 Additional topographical detail is provided by the Ordnance Survey maps of 1802 and 1809 although, again field boundaries are not shown (Figs. 6 and 7). The location of the application site is clearly displayed occupying undulating ground as it rises from the Spratford Stream’s floodplain referred to as Leonard Moor and ‘Normans Land’. The minor road from Willand to Waterloo Cross is illustrated (later the A3181) as are the 2 lanes which cross the central area of the application site. Three small buildings within an enclosure are marked centrally on the western side of the site. A small stream is shown rising from a spring at the southern end of the application site and two buildings are shown just beyond the southern site boundary.

4.41 A similar prospect is illustrated on the Ordnance Survey map of 1830 (Fig. 8). The application site can again be seen to occupy Leonard Moor and ‘No Mans Land’ on the eastern side of Spratford Stream. The more important properties surrounding the site are also shown including Mountstephen, Ashford (Gaz. Ref. 21) and Bridwell (Gaz. Ref. 22). The 1850 map of parish boundaries, although not very clear, shows a similar situation (Fig. 9).

4.42 A simple water meadow system is likely to have existed either side of the Spratford Stream as evidenced by the numerous sluices in the area (Exeter Archaeology 2007) (Gaz. Ref. 24). The application site may lies just beyond the eastern limit of the water meadows on Leonard Moor and ‘No Man’s Land’. Footpaths are listed crossing the meadows and stepping stones and a footbridge are listed crossing the Spratford Stream. Leonard Moor Bridge is shown on 19th century maps and was a single arched limestone built bridge which may have been associated with access to Leonard Moor in the vicinity of the application site (Figs. 6-8). Leonard Moor was enclosed by an Act of Parliament in c. 1818 but the Enclosure Award is dated 1864 (Gaz. Ref. 25). The Ordnance Survey maps of 1890 shows the application site soon after enclosure (Fig. 10). It is now occupied by irregular, rectilinear fields with straight filed boundaries respecting the existing lanes with occasional small plantations, especially in the southern part of the application site. A ‘private occupation road’ lay approximately 1km east of application site (Gaz. Ref. 26). A pottery manufactory may have existed in the vicinity off Appledore as a field name ‘potter’s field’ is shown on the 1838 award map while the road running south was called ‘clay lane’ (Gaz.ref.|8). The site is now occupied by a late 19th century farmhouse.

4.43 Leonard Moor cottages are listed Grade II buildings (ref: 1147447) which lie on the A3181 which defines the eastern periphery of the application site, at the crossroads with the road from Uffculme to Sampford Peverell referred to as Leonard Moor Cross. They lie on the eastern side of the road as four adjoining buildings to the north of Leonard Moor Cross. They were built in the 19th century and are also known as ‘Rustic Cottages’ or ‘Turnpike Cottages’. Numbers 1 and 2 were built around 1810 and were once used as a toll house (Gaz. Ref. 27). During this period Pitt Farm, approximately 750m south of the application site, was built and is shown on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map 1880-1899 (Gaz. Ref. 28). It includes a farmhouse with a courtyard and a range of stables and barns.

4.44 In 1814 the Tiverton to Somerset border section of the Great Western Canal was opened as a branch of a canal originally intended to link the English Channel and the Bristol Channel with terminals at Topsham and Taunton (Gaz. Ref. 30). Although the main canal was never completed this section was finished in 1838. It was used for transporting coal and stone from the quarries at Burlescombe to the limekilns at Tiverton until about 1924 when competition from the railways finally took its toll. Since 2004 Devon County Council has run the waterway as a leisure facility. It lies approximately 1.5km west of the application site.

4.45 In 1844 the Devon section of Brunel’s Great Western Railway line from Paddington to Bristol was extended into Devon as the Bristol and Exeter Railway, going through Taunton, Wellington, Burlescombe and Tiverton on its way to Exeter (Gaz. Ref. 29). Tithe maps for Sampford Peverell and Burlescombe show Sampford Siding (later Sampford Halt) which later became known as Tiverton Parkway railway Station in 1986.

4.46 By 1945 the application site is shown partly occupied by woods and arable farmland with houses and gardens marked on the northern side of the A38 and just south of the area now occupied by the Motel (Fig. 12). Ordnance Survey maps of the site in 1962 and 1970 show that the general arrangement of landuse within the application site has not changed and the field boundaries and plantations are much the same (Figs. 13 & 14). The M5 is shown on the Ordnance Survey map of 1993 (Fig. 16).

5. LIST OF HERITAGE ASSETS

The following list of heritage assets is taken from the Devon County Historic Environment service (DCHES) for the 2km radius study area centred on the application site and includes associated Gazetteer References. Grade II listed buildings in the centre Sampford Peverell and Uffculme of are not included as they lie several kilometres from the application site.

None designated heritage assets

Abbreviations

AP – aerial photograph BR – Building recording Cr mark – crop mark Geo survey – geophysical survey LB – Listed Building Med – mediaeval Par bound – parish boundary RP – old Registered Parks and Gardens Sax bound – Saxon boundary w/b – watching brief

Gravel Pit HER MDV21571 ST 0618 1415 Gaz. Ref. 1 Crop mark HER MDV103554 ST 0510 1421 Gaz. Ref. 2 Crop mark HER MDV61500 ST 0388 1512 Gaz. Ref. 3 Geo survey HER EDV50907 ST 0439 1177 Gaz. Ref. 4 Flints HER MDV106167 ST 0439 1177 Gaz. Ref. 4 Watch Brief HER EDV6406 ST 0439 1176 Gaz. Ref. 4 Flints (w/b) HER EDV4923 ST 0568 1535 Gaz. Ref. 5 Flint axe HER MDV22736 ST 0450 1420 Gaz. Ref. 6 AP Cr mark HER MDV20542 ST 0595 1435 Gaz. Ref. 7 Earthwork HER MDV1148 ST 068 136 Gaz. Ref. 8 Roman road HER MDV81042 ST 0406 1069 Gaz. Ref. 9 Sax bound HER MDV15597 ST 0416 1474 Gaz. Ref. 10 Sax bound HER MDV15599 ST 0329 1431 Gaz. Ref. 11 Sax bound HER MDV15694 ST 0431 1453 Gaz. Ref. 12 Sax bound HER MDV15689 ST 0574 1508 Gaz. Ref. 13 Sax bound HER MDV15688 ST 055 149 Gaz. Ref. 14 Par bound HER MDV73520 ST 0457 1401 Gaz. Ref. 15 Med field HER MDV73524 ST 0455 1376 Gaz. Ref. 16 Med field HER MDV11478 ST 0340 1310 Gaz. Ref. 17 Med farm HER MDV80851 ST 0564 1527 Gaz. Ref. 18 Water mill HER MDV17644 ST 0565 1525 Gaz. Ref. 18 Bridge HER MDV17651 ST 058 153 Gaz. Ref. 18 Farmhouse HER MDV16227 ST 0562 1445 Gaz. Ref. 19 Horse engine HER MDV79762 ST 0564 1447 Gaz. Ref. 19 Par bound HER MDV21567 ST 0620 1365 Gaz. Ref. 19 Farmhouse HER EDV5912 ST 0647 1468 Gaz. Ref. 20 Farmhouse HER EDV6134 ST 0647 1468 Gaz. Ref. 20 w/b HER EDV5887 ST 0645 1469 Gaz. Ref. 20 Mill HER MDV62794 ST 0489 1526 Gaz. Ref. 21 BR HER EDV6191 ST 048 152 Gaz. Ref. 21 Gatehouse HER MDV105860 ST 0486 1524 Gaz. Ref. 21 Linhay HER MDV105862 ST 0487 1524 Gaz. Ref. 21 Pole Barn HER MDV105863 ST 0488 1527 Gaz. Ref. 21 Walls HER MDV105864 ST 0490 1523 Gaz. Ref. 21 Water mill HER MDV 105857 ST 0485 1518 Gaz. Ref. 21 Farmstead HER MDV 20801 ST 055 124 Gaz. Ref. 22 Farmhouse HER MDV20802 ST 0558 1242 Gaz. Ref. 22 Farmhouse HER MDV20803 ST 0558 1246 Gaz. Ref. 22 Barn HER MDV20805 ST 0555 1246 Gaz. Ref. 22 Garden HER MDV20809 ST 0561 1241 Gaz. Ref. 22 Deer park HER MDV21603 ST 06 12 Gaz. Ref. 23 Sluice gate HER MDV73513 ST 0433 1392 Gaz. Ref. 24 Sluice gate HER MDV73541 ST0424 1375 Gaz. Ref. 24 Sluice gate HER MDV73515 ST 0414 1364 Gaz. Ref. 24 Sluice gate HER MDV73516 ST 0404 1350 Gaz. Ref. 24 Sluice gate HER MVD73519 ST 0480 1449 Gaz. Ref. 24 Sluice gate HER MVD3519 ST 0484 1438 Gaz. Ref. 24 Footpath HER MDV72358 ST 0405 1384 Gaz. Ref. 24 Step stones HER MDV72359 ST 0406 1382 Gaz. Ref. 24 Bridge HER MDV73522 ST 0438 1402 Gaz. Ref. 24 Bridge HER MDV73526 ST 0445 1408 Gaz. Ref. 24 Bridge HER MDV49992 ST 0424 1488 Gaz. Ref. 24 Bridge HER MDV49963 ST 0343 1453 Gaz. Ref. 24 Field system HER MDV21048 ST 0510 1380 Gaz. Ref. 25 Road HER MDV62173 ST 063 138 Gaz. Ref. 26 Road HER MDV62167 ST 066 139 Gaz. Ref. 26 Road HER MDV62174 ST 070 137 Gaz. Ref. 26 Track way HER MDV62175 ST 067 138 Gaz. Ref. 26 Building HER MDV62182 ST 0655 1430 Gaz. Ref. 26 Farmstead HER MDV7914 ST 0426 1245 Gaz. Ref. 28 Farmhouse HER MDV12613 ST 0425 1243 Gaz. Ref. 28 Railway HER MDV22421 ST 9850 0372 Gaz. Ref. 29 Station HER MDV59018 ST 0451 1397 Gaz. Ref. 29 Canal HER MDV1497 ST 0217 1434 Gaz. Ref. 30 Quarry HER MDV1508 ST 066 134 Gaz. Ref. 31

.

Designated heritage assets

Farmhouse HER MDV7976 ST 0562 1444 Gaz. Ref. 19 LB II Farmhouse HER MDV1697 ST 0647 1469 Gaz. Ref. 20 LB II Med Manor HER MDV1457 ST 048 152 Gaz. Ref. 21 LB II* Med Walls HER MDV105864 ST 048 152 Gaz. Ref. 21 LB II* Barn HER MDV66935 ST 0485 1527 Gaz. Ref. 21 LB II* Stables HER MDV77237 ST 0484 1528 Gaz. Ref. 21 LB II Chapel HER MDV16223 ST 0483 1521 Gaz. Ref. 21 LB I Chapel HER MDV88717 ST 0483 1521 Gaz. Ref. 21 LB I Buildings HER MDV20804 ST 0554 1243 Gaz. Ref. 22 LB II Barn HER MDV20806 ST 0591 1268 Gaz. Ref. 22 LBII* House HER MDV20799 ST 0584 1257 Gaz. Ref. 22 LB I Stables HER MDV20800 ST 0585 1261 Gaz. Ref. 22 LB II* Park HER MDV20807 ST 058 127 Gaz. Ref. 22 RP II Park HER MDV1000688 ST 0561 1241 Gaz. Ref. 22 RP II Garden HER MDV32458 ST 058 126 Gaz. Ref. 22 RP II Chapel HER MDV983426 ST 0591 1269 Gaz. Ref. 22 LB II* Stables HER MDV88800 ST 0584 1261 Gaz. Ref. 22 LB II* Building HER MDV88801 ST 0558 1242 Gaz. Ref. 22 LB II Build /park HER MDV88807 ST 0584 1258 Gaz. Ref. 22 LB I Low mound HER MDV15134 ST 0582 1253 Gaz. Ref. 22 LB II Cottages HER MDV83466 ST 0519 1316 Gaz. Ref. 27 LB II Cottages HER MDV16229 ST 0519 1316 Gaz. Ref. 27 LB II Cottages HER MDV 58497 ST 0519 1316 Gaz. Ref. 27 LB II

6. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT

6.1 The European Landscape Convention (2007) requires member states to protect landscape by recognising the importance of cultural policy and guidance while the role of historic landscape in creating character and a sense of area identity is acknowledged in the Government’s strategy for improving quality of space CLG (2009).

6.2 Landscape characterisation research carried out by Devon County Council’s Historic Environment Service and English Heritage since 2001 has identified several broad ‘landscape character types’ (LCTs) in Mid Devon. The site occupies that referred to as ‘LCT 3E: Lowland plains’ while the Spratford Stream lies within ‘LCT 3C: Sparsley settled farmed valley floors’. This area is adjacent to the western side of the site. Further to the east lie rolling hills associated with ‘LCT 3B lower rolling farmed and settled valley slopes’ producing a landuse of intensively farmed light soils. The site itself lies on farmland listed by Mid Devon District Council as ‘Grade 3’ i.e. good to moderate quality principally used for arable crops, cereals and grass.

6.3 The application site lies on lower ground on the eastern side of the upper Culm valley, here occupied by a tributary; the Spratford Stream. Generally the broad floodplain of the Culm is used predominantly for permanent pasture leading southwards into the Mid Devon farming belt characterised by a gently rolling landscape. It is characterised by landscape characters set out below.

6.4 The ‘Lowland Plains’ (LCT3) This landscape type is described as a low lying flat landscape of arable farmland with areas of improved grassland. Views are typically of ‘short vistas terminated by a backdrop of curving hills with occasional long views from prominent locations. The soil is fertile and developed from the ‘Redlands [sandstone] characteristics superimposed on the rolling landform of the Culm’ (MDDC 2011). Fields are bounded by hedgerows and hedgebanks which are ‘distinctive in their regularity and simplicity. Fields, however, reveal a patchwork of irregular shapes. Trees are infrequent while individual trees within amalgamated fields indicate the positions of lost hedges’ (ibid). Copses and discrete woodlands are characteristic and there are outlying, regularly disturbed farms and villages, hamlets and small groups of houses in the sparsely populated landscape. Roads tend to be straight or gently winding and are generally narrow and lined with hedgebanks due to land values. Farms tend to be located above the valley floor and are composed of steel framed buildings alongside the traditional farm building style of cob and thatch. A few small manor houses dot the area surrounded by parks providing enhanced tree cover and small mainly artificial lakes. That closes to the site is Bridwell Park at Uffclume (Gaz. ref. 22). The parkland creates a large-scale pastoral character with an absence of hedges and have clump tree planting within shelterbelts.

6.5 Valley floor (LCT 3C) The Spratford Stream lies within a gently sloping valley bottom adjacent to the western side of the M5 and is included within this landscape type. The western side of the site lies on the eastern edge of the floodplain. This landscape characteristically has villages and hamlets alongside the river while landuse is predominantly associated with the watercourse such as mills, fish farms. It is also related to locally valued features including meadows, bridges and weirs. The floodplains usually contain deposits of alluvial silts, sands and gravels producing a predominantly pastoral landscape of meadows, occasionally mixed with marshy areas.

6.6 Settlement Character Area In terms of the Town and Village Character Assessment, the site lies mostly within the ‘Eastern Fringes’ (SCA8) but also in the Upper Exe (SCA 1). Between them they cover the parish of Burlescombe with Sampford Peverell and the village of Appledore, approximately 1km north-east of the site. Here the landscape is described as ‘gently to strongly undulating and broadly characterised by small to medium scale farming. Fields are typically regular shaped, medium to large scale enclosures of pasture, many defined by beech hedgerows and cob boundary walls (DCC 2012 113). Settlement is sparse and dominated by small scale farming with a few notable estates e.g. Ayshford Court (Gaz ref. 21). The M5 and railway cut through the area otherwise the generally the roads are winding and narrow. Tiverton Parkway Station in Sampford Peverell is of great benefit with a regular railway service to Exeter, Bristol and London. The Great Western canal also runs through this character area.

6.7 Between the larger villages of Sampford Peverell and Uffculme, approximately 1.5km to the NW and SE of the site respectively, the application lies a landscape of small roads and small settlements. That closest to the site is Appledore which is a linear development on the A38 route.

6.8 Past landscape changes Many fields have been amalgamated and hedgerows lost. New woodland plantations have appeared and the pattern of the Spratford valley disrupted by the M5, railway and associated modern structures. Many areas of orchard no longer exist while an increase in demand for bio-energy crops may alter traditional farming landscapes.

7. ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

Archaeological Potential

Geology 7.1 Although the geology of the site creates a well-drained, fertile soil described by Mid Devon District Council as ‘Grade 3’ i.e. good to moderate quality principally used for arable crops, cereals and grass, cartographic evidence indicates that the site was occupied by moorland prior to its enclosure; in this case referred to a Leonard Moor (Fig. 4). In 1945 it is shown to include woods and arable land (Fig. 12). It seems likely that the application site provided grazing land on the eastern fringe of the Spratford stream from the mediaeval period until its enclosure in the mid-19th century.

Prehistoric 7.2 As site lies on undulating ground on the eastern side of the Spratford stream’s narrow floodplain, it is acknowledged that the north-western side of the site could contain potential palaeoenvironmental material preserved in waterlogged alluvial deposits (Exeter Archaeology, 2007). This may, however, be unlikely if the western side of the application site lies just above the floodplain.

7.3 Given the frequency of prehistoric finds that have been recorded during the limited number of archaeological interventions (Gaz. Refs. 4 & 5) and geophysical survey (Gaz. Ref. 4) in the general area of the application site, especially given the results of the excavations at Four Ways Cross approximately 2km south of the site, it is likely that the subject site lay in a populated, managed late prehistoric landscape. Where archaeological intervention has taken place in the local area, although limited in its extent, prehistoric finds have been reported on a regular basis while aerial photography has indicated several possible early crop marks (Gaz. Refs 2, 3 & 7). On closer inspection, however, that at Jersey farm (Gaz. Ref. 2) is likely to be of geological origin. The ring ditch, linear features and Iron Age pottery excavated at Four Ways Cross indicate a possible Neolithic mortuary enclosure, Bronze Age fields and Iron Age occupation of the Spratford Valley to the south of the application site. It is likely, therefore, that prehistoric remains may exist on the application site and the potential for prehistoric archaeology on the application site is considered to be medium to high.

Roman 7.4 There are no HER entries for the Roman period within the study area although a Roman road was visible on LiDAR data east of Willand (Gaz. Ref. 9) and a Roman fort and associated settlement may lie south of Willand. Further, at Four Ways Cross on the northern side of Willand, a Roman pottery sherd and possible enclosure ditches were recorded in 2007. Such finds suggest the possibility of a Roman managed landscape in the area of the Spratford Stream. The potential for Roman archaeology on the application site is therefore considered to be medium.

Saxon to Post-mediaeval 7.5 Although documentary evidence of a Saxon boundary (Gaz. Refs. 10 - 14) and place name evidence, i.e. Sampford Peverell, provide an indication of the Saxon settlement of the area, there are no finds listed within the HER for the study area. Given that the application site was occupied by moorland in the mediaeval and post-mediaeval period (Figs. 4, 6, 7 & 8), it is likely that its landuse from this period until its enclosure in the mid-19th century (Fig. 10) was predominantly pasture, arable (ridge and furrow – Gaz. Refs. 16 & 17) and woodland. The potential for significant Saxon, mediaeval, and post-mediaeval archaeology existing on the application site is therefore considered to be low.

Listed Buildings 7.6 Throughout this farming landscape a number of mediaeval and post- mediaeval farmhouses were built, some of which are now listed. Within the study area High Houndaller is a Grade II Listed Building which lies close to the north-eastern boundary of the application site (Gaz. Ref. 19). It was originally built in the 12th century but parts of the current building date from the 16th and 17th centuries. At Appledore Barton, approximately 1km north-east of the application site, another 16th / 17th century farmhouse is a Listed Building, Grade II (Gaz. Ref. 20). On the east side of the A3181 to the north of Leonard Moor Cross four adjoining early 19th century ‘rustic’ cottages were built, possibly as toll houses (Gaz. Ref. 27).

7.7 There are also two major houses in the study area, Ayshford Court (Gaz. Ref. 21 and Bridwell House (Gaz. Ref. 22). Ashford Court lies approximately 1km north of the application site and is composed of a group of buildings around a central court. Parts of the complex date from the 15th century. Its numerous Listed Buildings are listed in Section 5 above but include the Grade I listed Chapel and three Grade II* buildings including the manor, walls and barn. Bridwell House (Gaz. Ref. 22) lies in parkland approximately 1km south-east of the application site and is composed of a number of Listed Buildings (see Section 5). It was originally built in the 13th century. Bridwell Park is Grade I listed and its chapel and stables are Grade II* listed while the park was listed in the Register of Parks and Gardens as Grade II.

7.8 The HER data does not include any entries for Listed Buildings on the application site.

Survival

7.9 There are five areas of buildings on the site referred to by the scheme on drawing 11034 SK-018 (Fig.16) as:  SK-19-01; the hotel., Leonard House and a filling station adjacent to the Junction 27 roundabout  SK-19-02; Swallow court / Jersey Farm NE of Junction 27  SK-19-03; Leonard Moor Farm in the central part of the site  SK-19-04; Moorhayes Farm adjacent to the A3181  SK-19-05; two small buildings at Leonard Moor Cross It is anticipated that any archaeological features within the footprints of these buildings are likely to have been truncated.

7.10 As most the subject site has not been built upon, the only limit to the degree of archaeological survival in these areas is that associated with the depth of plough damage relative to the depth of potential archaeology. There is no previous fieldwork on the site to indicate the extent of plough damage that could have occurred.

8. IMPACT ASSESSMENT

8.1 At this stage in the design process details have not been fixed and it is not possible to produce a comprehensive impact assessment. A scheme of this size and complexity will, however, have an impact on potential buried heritage across most of the site with the exception of woodland areas which are to be retained. The scale of the site is likely to facilitate the implementation of any necessary mitigation measures.

9. CONCLUSIONS

9.1 From the evidence examined during the preparation of this document there has been no indication that archaeological deposits are present which merit preservation in situ. Given the size of the application site and the archaeological potential for the prehistoric and Roman periods, however, further site evaluation will be necessary. It is suggested, therefore, that a geophysical survey be undertaken to be followed, if necessary, by targeted evaluation trenches. If appropriate more detailed excavations could be necessary.

9.6 Given the likely shallowness of archaeological deposits on the subject site and the possible degree of plough damage, the potential for significant archaeology existing on the site may be limited and variable.

APPENDIX 1 – GAZETTEER

The HER data has been provided by Devon County Historic Environment Service (DCHES) for the 2km radius study area centred on the application site. The Gazetteer below provides a summary of that data and includes 31 gazetteer references (Gaz. Refs.). It has been organised in order to simplify the cross referencing of HER entries and map locations within the Desk Based Assessment. Where a monument or event has several HER references these have been grouped together to produce a single gazetteer number. For example Gazetteer No.21 refers to Ashford Court but this entry is made up of numerous HER references for individual buildings and intervention events. The full list of HER entries cross referenced to gazetteer numbers is listed in Section 5 above. The gazetteer numbers refer to archaeology in a roughly chronological order beginning with geology and ending with modern features.

1. Address: Appledore, Burlescombe, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0618 1415 HER No.: MDV21571 Description: 19th century gravel pit shown on OS map. Now under scrub. Indicates natural gravel geology of the area.

2. Address: Jersey Farm, Sampford Peverell, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0510 1421 HER No.: MDV103554 Description: Aerial photograph (Bluesky 2006-2007) shows crop marks in northern part of field east of Jersey Farm. The regularity of the marks suggests a possible prehistoric or possibly Roman enclosure.

3. Address: Boehill Farm, Sampford Peverell, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0388 1512 HER No.: MDV61500 Description: Linear crop marks recorded from air (F. Griffin 1989), possibly rectangular enclosure. Possibly prehistoric.

4. Address: Langlands Farm, Halberton, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0439 1177 HER No.: MDV106167; EDV5907; EDV6406 Description: Magnetometer survey of c. 5 ha in advance of proposed solar park identified a circular ditch of possible prehistoric date. Also post- mediaeval field boundary ditches (now in-filled). During the follow-up watching brief during groundworks, four worked flints were retrieved from the topsoil. Two were of greensand chert, probably from the Blackdown Hills. A flint scraper of Neolithic to Early Bronze Age was also recovered.

5. Address: Pugham Farm, Westleigh, Tiverton NGR: ST 0568 1535 HER No.: EDV4923 Description: Archaeological watching brief undertaken during the construction of caravan site NE of Pugham Farm. No archaeological features were observed but two worked flints, two sherds of mediaeval pottery and six sherds of post-mediaeval pottery were recovered from the topsoil.

6. Address: Sampford Peverell, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0450 1420 HER No.: MDV22736 Description: Prehistoric polished flint axe found in disturbed ground during construction of North Devon Link Road.

7. Address: Waterloo Cross, Burlescombe, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0595 1435 HER No.: MDV20542 Description: Small square enclosure, 10-15m sides, visible as crop mark. Immediately to the south is a circular mark 3-4m in diameter. Other linear marks also seen in field (Griffith). Possibly prehistoric.

8. Address: Uffculme Down, Uffculme, Mid Devon NGR: ST 068 136 HER No.: MDV11484 Description: Small square enclosure levelled by ploughing in 19th century. Its sides were 20-28m long. Date is unknown – possibly prehistoric but could be post-mediaeval. Internal area divided into four compartments each with an oval raised bank. Also in this general area a field name ‘potter’s field’ is shown on the 1838 award map while the road running south was called ‘clay lane’.

9. Address: East of Willand, Cullompton, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0406 1069 HER No.: MDV81042 Description: Line of Roman Road visible on LiDAR data east of Willand. This gazetteer reference lies to the south of the study area and has not been plotted.

10. Address: Sampford Peverell / Burlescombe Parish Boundary NGR: ST 0416 1474 (139m by 283m) HER No.: MDV15597 Description: The parish boundary between Sampford Peverell and Burlescombe may have followed the boundary line of a Saxon estate described in the Charter dated 958. In some areas it may be represented by a bank or ditch and may be associated with various hollow ways.

11. Address: Brooks Ford, Sampford Peverell, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0329 1431 HER No.: MDV15599 Description: The ford is mentioned as the starting and terminal point for the bounds of a Saxon estate described in a charter of 958. It crosses the brook which flows down from Paullet Hill passing under the modern A373 where the ford is visible.

12. Address: Ayshford Boundary, Burlescombe, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0431 1453 HER No.: MDV15694 Description: Ayshford to Boehill, the bounds of a Saxon estate described in a Charter of 958. Finberg suggests it may have taken the line of the lane from Sampford Peverell to Ayshford.

13. Address: Pugham Farm, Burlescombe, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0574 1508 HER No.: MVD15689 Description: A ford over the river Lynor mentioned in a Charter of 958. Forms part of the boundary of a Saxon estate. This place is a bridge just south of the railway.

14. Address: south of Pugham Farm, Burlescombe, Mid Devon NGR: ST 055 149 HER No.: MDV15688 Description: Bounds of a Saxon estate described in a Charter dated 958. At this point, Ashford Moor, the boundary was carried by a ditch and hedgebank.

15. Address: Tiverton Parkway Station, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0457 1401 HER No.: MDV73520 Description: Parish boundary, section between Sampford Peverell and Burlescombe. The boundary may have originated in the 13th century or earlier. The boundary tends to follow either the Spratford Stream or lesser tributaries.

16. Address: Tiverton Parkway Station, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0455 1376 HER No.: MDV73524 Description: Area of strip fields shown on 1841 Tithe map and the 1890 OS map. Fields are about 400m by 200m – possibly represent “fossilised” remains of mediaeval open fields which were later enclosed. The M5 motorway now bisects the field system but remains survive either side.

17. Address: south of Venn Farm, Halberton, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0340 1310 HER No.: MDV11478 Description: Area of ridge and furrow earthworks visible on aerial photographs.

18. Address: Pugham Farm, Burlescombe, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0564 1527 HER No.: MDV80851 Description: Mediaeval farm first referred to as Pogeham in the 12th century. Archaeological watching brief at Pugham Farm recovered sherds of mediaeval pottery.

19. Address: Higher Houndaller Farmhouse, Burlescombe, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0562 1445; MDV79762 HER No.: MDV16227; MDV7962; MDV79760; MDV79760; MDV83467 Other Status: Old Listed Building (II) Description: Early mediaeval farmhouse. First mentioned in the canonsleigh cartulary in 12th century. Rebuilt in the 16th / 17th century. Also has a horse engine house or round house shown on 1880-1899 OS map.

20. Address: Appledore Barton, Burlescombe, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0647 1468 HER No.: EVD15697; EDV5912; EDV6134; EDV5887 Other status: Old Listed Building ref (II) – 506990; Old DCC SMR Ref – ST1SE/22 Description: Historic Building Appraisal undertaken as part of planning application. Appledore Barton is “a former late 16th or 17th century farmhouse.” The building contains a number of original features. A watching brief was maintained during building works but no archaeology was observed or dating evidence found.

21. Address: Ayshford Court, Burlescombe, Mid Devon NGR: ST 048 152 HER No.: MDV1457; MDV62794; MDV66935; MDV77237; MDV16223; MDV88717; MDV105860; MDV105862; MDV105863;MDV105864; EDV6191; EDV4580 Associated Designations: Chapel Listed Building (I) – 1325900; Manor House Listed building (II*) – 1147581; Old DCC SMR Ref – ST01NW/4, Stables listed (II) – 1147593; Description: Manor House complex now divided into two houses. Main historic house dates to the late 15th – early 16th century with major 16th and 17th century improvements. The house is grouped together with its chapel (Grade I Listed Building) and farm buildings including a mill, barn, stables, gatehouse, garden walls; linhay and open-fronted sheds and a pole barn. A Historic Building survey of the barns at Higher Ayshford Farm (Ref: BAC12).

22. Address: Bridwell House, Halberton, Mid Devon NGR: ST 055 124 HER No.: MDV20800; MDV20801; MDV20802; MDV20803; MDV20804; MDV20805; MDV20806; MDV20807; MDV20809; MDV20799; MDV32458; MDV11479; EDV1528 Associated Designations: Old Bridwell is Listed Building (II) – 1168981; Chapel is Listed Building (II*) – 1105882; Stables are Listed Building (II*) – 1168895; Bridwell Park is Listed Building (I) – 1326159; Registered Park or Garden (II) – 1000688; Old DCC SMR Ref – ST01SE/16; Description: Probably a mediaeval farmhouse first documented in 1280. It was replaced in the 18th century by a new house with landscaped park. The 18th century Bridwell House includes stable block, a park, chapel, and walled garden shown on a 1779 plan (Cornforth).

23. Address: Cogan’s Park, Uffculme, Mid Devon NGR: ST 06 12 (point) HER No.: MDV21603 Description: Deer park of the Cogan family who were at Uffculme in the 13th century. Richard Coggan received a licence to enclose his wood of Uffculme and 300 acres of land for a park in 1336.

24. Address: Spratford Stream, Burlescombe / Sampford Peverell, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0433 1392 HER No.: MDV73513; MDV73514; MDV73515; MDV73516; MDV72359; MDV73522; MDV73526; EDV4202 Description: Spratford Stream forms the between Sampford Peverell and Burlescombe parishes. The fields along the stream were probably water meadows up to the 19 century. A number of sluices and footbridges are shown on the 19th century OS maps. Stepping stones are recorded NE of Venn Farm associated with Sampford Peverell footpath. The footbridge at Leonard Moor was associated with access to the moor to the south after the enclosure in the 19th century.

25. Address: Leonard Moor Enclosure, Burlescombe, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0510 1380 HER No.: MDV21048; EDV4202 Description: Leonard Moor was enclosed by an Act of Parliament in c. 1810 but the Enclosure Award is dated 1864.

26. Address: Enclosure road, Uffculme, Mid Devon NGR: ST 063 138 HER No.: MDV62173; MDV6216; 7MDV62174; MDV62175; MDV62182 Description: Road described as a ‘private occupation road’ on 1838 Uffclume Down enclosure award map.

27. Address: Leonard Moor Cottages, Burlescombe, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0519 1316 HER No.: MDV83466; MDV16229 Associated Designations: Listed Building (II) - 1147447 Description: Early 19th century cottages (built 1817 and 1840) once used as a toll house.

28. Address: Pitt Farm, Halberton, Mid Devon NGR: ST 0426 1245 HER No.: MDV9714; MDV12613 Description: a small, complete, courtyard of mid 19th century ‘improved’ farm buildings with contemporary farmhouse.

29. Address: Beambridge to Exeter railway NGR: SS 98500372 (18451m by 24533m) HER No.: MDV22421; MDV59018 Description: The Devon section of the Bristol and Exeter Railway – opened in 1844 from White Ball to Exeter St David’s Station. Stations were built at Tiverton Road, Cullompton and Hele with several smaller stations and halts added. The line was taken over by the Great Western Railway in 1849. Sampford Siding was built in 19th century which became Sampford Halt then Sampford Station which was closed in the 1950s and reopened in 1986 as Tiverton Park.

30. Address: Grand Western Canal NGR: ST 0217 1434 (11073m by 7585m) HER No.: MDV1497 Description: Section of Great Western Canal from Tiverton to Somerset Border. Completed in 1814. Used to carry stone and coal until about 1924.

31. Address: Hill Head Quarry, Uffculme, Mid Devon NGR: ST 066 134 HER No.: MDV1508 Description: 35 ha modern quarry occupying an area of 35 ha. Quarrying a type of bunter pebble beds, similar to those at Budleigh Salterton.

APPENDIX 2 – SOURCES CONSULTED

Barlow F (ed), 1969 Exeter and its Region, University of Exeter

Devonshire Daniel and Samuel Lysons, 1822 538-562, Magna Britannia: volume 6:

Exeter Archaeology, 2007, Report No. 07.16 Archaeological Assessment of the Land at Tiverton Parkway Railway Station, Sampford Peverell

Mid Devon Landscape Character Assessment 2010 / 2011

Mid Devon Town and Village Character Assessment 2012

Devon County Council Environmental Service & English Heritage, 2005, Devon Historic landscape Characterisation, 2005, Phase 1 report

Lysons, Daniel & Samuel, 1822, Magna Britannia: vol 6: Devonshire

Rippon S.J., Fyfe R.M. and Brown A.G. 2006, Beyond Villages and Open Fields: The Origins and Development of a Historic Landscape Characterised by Dispersed Settlement in South-West England

Sampford Peverell Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan 2008

Steinmetzer M.F.R. 2008, Archaeological Excavation at four Ways Cross, Willand, Devon 2007, (Phase I) Post-Excavation Assessment Report and Updated project Design, Exeter Archaeology Report No. 09.31