Prehistoric settlements, fields and enclosures within the Shapley Common coaxial field system, 770m south of Challacombe Cross

Scheduled area

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History & significance

Prehistoric settlements, fields and enclosures within the Shapley Common coaxial field system, located 770 metres south of Challacombe Cross in Devon, comprise an ancient monument of Bronze Age origin. The site exhibits a distinctive coaxial field layout characteristic of prehistoric land division systems, with parallel field boundaries arranged in a coordinated geometric pattern typical of organised Bronze Age agricultural management. The remains include structural features associated with settlement activity alongside the extensive field arrangements, reflecting the integration of domestic occupation with pastoral or arable land use during this period. This monument represents a significant example of prehistoric landscape organisation on Exmoor, demonstrating the sophisticated territorial planning and resource management practices of Bronze Age communities in southwest England.

Prehistoric settlements, fields and enclosures within the Shapley Common coaxial field system, 770m south of Challacombe Cross is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1020461. View the official record →

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