Stone at SS 83110 42601 forming part of the row. Dense vegetation makes it impossible to see most of the stones. View from the south (Scale 1m).
A single stone row measuring 286m long, including 12 small and medium-sized stones situated on a north facing slope with restricted views of the Bristol Channel and South Wales. The row is orientated ESE to WNW and is aligned upon nearby cairns. Further cairns stand in the vicinity.
Location
| England | Somerset | Exmoor | SS 83269 42556 |
| Lat 51.17025871 Long –3.67111403 | |||
Map showing the location of Madacombe stone row.
Simplified plan of Madacombe stone row (After Fowler, J.F. & Needham, H.J., 1991, 85).
The Madacombe stone row and its immediate prehistoric context.
Map showing the position of Madacombe, other stone rows and other sites (Source: Exmoor National Park HER).
Characteristics
| Type: Single | Length: 286m |
| No. of stones: 12 | Size of stones: Small and medium |
| Orientation: 102° | Altitude: 424m |
| Upper end: Cairn? | Lower end: Cairn? |
| Straight (Yes or No) : No | Sea View: Yes |
| Context: Cairns | |
| Notes: Pair of closed sea triangles. | |
Other Information
| Public Access: Yes |
| Land Status: National Park |
| Scheduled Ancient Monument: No |
Identification
Category: Plausible. Despite the fact that this row is often completely obscured by vegetation no doubts have been expressed regarding the prehistoric interpretation of this row.
Typology
This stone row is of Type S10. Information on this form of stone row and other rows of this type is available here.
Photographs
Stone at SS 83110 42601 measures 0.38m long by 023m and stands 0.40m high. View from east (Scale 1m).
Stone at SS 83116 42599 measures 0.77m long by 0.33m stands 0.05m high and lies within a hollow. View from west (Scale 1m).
The sea and South Wales are visible from the row.
The row in common with so many others is built at the limit of visibility to the sea.
Heather covered mound west of the western end of the stone row. View from south.
Access Information
Car parking is available at SS 83523 42234. From here follow the footpath north westward for about 500m. The row is north of the footpath. Dense vegetation makes it difficult to find the stones.
Online Resources
Megalithic Portal PastScape Historic Environment Record Fowler and Needham
Other References
Burl, A., 1993, From Carnac to Callanish – The prehistoric rows and avenues of Britain, Ireland and Brittany, Yale University Press, New York and London, pg. 216.
Fowler, J.F. & Needham, H.J., 1991, ‘A “New” Stone Row on Madacombe, Exmoor’, Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society, 135, 85-88.
Timeline
VISITED:- 22nd April 2018 and 11th April 2019
FIRST PUBLISHED:- 12th February 2016
LAST UPDATED:- 21st November 2020
The Stone Rows of Great Britain 