Spring highlights

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As winter gives way to another early spring, now is the time to explore the lumps and bumps in the landscape which give clues to the history of this area - before the new season's growth obscures them from view again!

Picture insert: Thurlbear Wood in Springtime

Link to download a map showing key historicLink to further info and links

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Key archaeological & historic places

Britty Farm

Britty was once a thriving smallholding, comprising a series of small fields...


Castle Neroche

Castle Neroche is located on the edge of a steep natural...


Culmstock Beacon

This small hut built of chert on the southern end...


Forest of Neroche

Although the Forest of Neroche is not recorded in the...


Hemyock Castle

The castle plan is typical of small late medieval castles:...


Leigh Hill Encampment

Have you ever driven east from Forches Corner towards Burnworthy,...


Orchard Portman and the Portmans

It was by marriage in the 15th century to the...


Orchard Wood Hillfort

Orchard Wood is an Iron Age (800BC-50AD) hillfort located at...


Playstreet, Bickenhall

Playstreet was a medieval settlement, which was deserted and left...


Priors’ Park

Fieldwork at Prior’s Park by Hazel Riley...


Quants

Quants, which forms part of Buckland Wood, has a fascinating...


RAF Culmhead (Trickey Warren)

RAF Culmhead (formerly known as Church Stanton) was a typical...


Ringdown Barn

The old barn at Ringdown, within Ringdown Nature Reserve, is...


Robin Hood's Butts

Nine burial mounds located in two discrete groups on Brown Down, near Bishopswood....


Staple Deer Park

During the C13th there were two deer parks in Staple Fitzpaine; Staple...


Thurlbear Church

The Church of St Thomas at Thurlbear is a building...


Thurlbear Wood

An Inquisition Post Mortem of William de Monte Acuto in...


Warren Cottage at Hawks Moor

 

A group of brave souls – Daniel James, Tony...


Wellington Monument

Wellington Monument, built to commemorate the ‘Iron Duke’, is currently undergoing...


Wychwood Lake

Wychwood Lake was built as a decoy pond for 

Discovering Neroche

An ancient landscape

The landscape of the Neroche area today reflects the history of human intervention on the natural environment.  During the Prehistoric period the Blackdown Hills would have been covered with dense woodland.  The early settlers created clearings on the plateau, to make way for settlements, livestock and farming. 

Each period in history since has left its mark upon the landscape, shaping it to its current form.  Man has shaped the pattern of settlements and field sizes, the architectural heritage and water management, not to mention the network of roads, lanes and pathways in the area. 

There is still much to learn of the history of the Neroche area, and we hope that you can begin right here!  Perhaps by following the links on the right hand side to the Key archaeological and historic places in the area, or by coming to one of our History related events, or by asking us a question using the link below.

 

Archaeology news

Saving Leigh Hill encampment

An artist works to preserve a Victorian remnant


Tel: 01823 680846 Email: info@nerochescheme.org

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