World War II bombing decoy complex, anti-aircraft obstructions and Beacon Batch round barrow cemetery on Black Down

Scheduled area

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History & significance

Black Down is a site of significant archaeological and historical complexity, encompassing remains from multiple periods of human activity. The ancient monument includes Beacon Batch round barrow cemetery, a Bronze Age burial ground that forms part of the broader landscape of prehistoric funerary practice on the Quantock Hills. During the Second World War, the site was utilised as part of the wider defensive infrastructure of Somerset, with anti-aircraft obstructions and a bombing decoy complex constructed to protect against enemy air raids. The combination of prehistoric burial monuments with twentieth-century military installations demonstrates the longstanding strategic importance of Black Down's elevated position in the landscape.

World War II bombing decoy complex, anti-aircraft obstructions and Beacon Batch round barrow cemetery on Black Down is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1020995. View the official record →

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