Cattle Shelter 950 Metres North North-West Of The Great Sluice

Cattle Shelter located 950 metres north-north-west of The Great Sluice, built around 1815-1820. It is constructed from shale rubble and features a pantile roof with gable ends. The shelter has a three-bay open front supported by circular stone rubble piers. This structure, locally known as a linhay, is one of many on Braunton Marsh and was used to provide shelter and possibly store fodder for cattle. Braunton Marsh was likely reclaimed from the tidal waters of the River Taw during the Middle Ages, but more extensive drainage occurred between 1811 and 1815 following an Act of Parliament. This effort was led by the Lords of the Manors of Braunton Gorges, Braunton Abbotts, Braunton Arundel, and Saunton, who had grazing rights on the marshes. They aimed to enclose the marsh, which was frequently flooded by tidal waters, resulting in the reclamation of 949 acres. John Pascoe served as the surveyor, and James Green was the engineer. The nearby Horsey Island was reclaimed between 1852 and 1857. The late enclosures in Braunton are historically significant, particularly as the Great Field to the north of the marsh is one of only three surviving open field systems in England. Although there are only five farmers currently working the Great Field, their holdings remain dispersed as they were in the Middle Ages when there were around 100 farmers.