Exmoor Archaeology Forum 2008

The subject of the 8th Exmoor Archaeology Forum to be held in September, Exmoor’s Past – An Aerial View, has already provided an answer to an intriguing mystery.

The 2008 issue of Park Life, Exmoor National Park Authority’s community newspaper, featured an article about the work of the National Mapping Programme on Exmoor which was illustrated with a 1979 aerial photograph* in which some ‘landscape graffiti’ of large initials could be clearly seen marked out on the ground. The question in the caption ‘Are you JW or SC’ was answered in a telephone call recently when a Mr John Watts called to say that he was one of the guilty pair.

Mr Watts, a former worker on the Fortescue Estate explains: “In 1978 my friend and fellow worker Stan Curtis and I were cutting bracken and for a couple days a light aircraft circled over us. After a while Stan got a bit annoyed about this and suggested we gave them something to look at so we marked out our initials in big letters.

“I was a bit worried about admitting that it was me and sadly Stan is no longer with us, but the National Park Authority was delighted to have solved the mystery - it’s amazing what you can see in an aerial photograph.”

This year’s Exmoor Archaeology Forum is based upon the themes emerging from the work of the National Mapping Programme on Exmoor and will be held in Dulverton on Thursday 25th September. The day will comprise a series of brief illustrated talks by those working on the subject, looking at the range of air photographs of Exmoor and how they are used and interpreted to build up a picture of the past. The fee for the day is £14 and those attending will need to make their own lunch arrangements; there is a choice of venues in Dulverton or delegates may bring a packed lunch.

Rob Wilson-North said: "It should be a fascinating day which will give insights into how aerial photos can be used to build a picture of certain aspects of Exmoor's archaeology such as the prehistoric landscape, Exmoor's settlements, the reclamation of Exmoor and the use of Exmoor during World War II."

Booking is essential and enquiries and booking forms can be obtained from Katherine Toms or Cristina Orchard, English Heritage, telephone 01392 824901 email: Katherine.toms@english-heritage.org.uk