Monument record 1995/2/2 - Probable medieval settlement, east of Lady's Lane

Earthworks of a large near square enclosure have been interpreted as a probable paddock for Dale Farm to the east. Between the paddock and the surrounding lanes is much disturbed ground probably the remains of former houses demolished before 1834.

{1} Earthworks shown on aerial photos at SP83986654; includes a large, near square enclosure of scarps up to 1.5m high on the west, south and north sides; probably a paddock associated with Dale Farm to the east; surrounding the enclosure and fronting onto the lanes are smaller closes and building platforms; these are possibly houses on the lanes and may have been removed to improve the hall's view; documentary references; no buildings were present in 1834; site of the South Manor in 1577; buildings are described; they occupied the whole plot between the four roads.

{4} In the north west corner of Home Close is an arc bank, continuing as a large bank eastwards beneath south edge of a building platform and part of the north wall of a linear rectangular enclosure. It looks as if this bank is part of a ringwork, mostly buried beneath the platform.
This platform on the north side of the field, may be the site of a manor house identified by W G Callis from the Vaux survey of 1577. Callis thought the enclosure to south, or the features in the north west corner marked the site.

{7} An annotated earthwork plan derived from aerial photographic interpretation of a 1947 aerial photograph. It is labelled as 'South Manor House'. The author theorises that various architectural objects in nearby properties (a gargoyle, fireplaces, doorway) may have originated in this house.

{+} Site visit 1/6/88 by G.Foard failed to identify any clear house platforms; wide banks of the closes might comprise buildings but the manor might lay beneath houses on High Street.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1979, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.109 Site 10 (checked) (Series). SNN77380.

<2> A SHORT HISTORY & GUIDE TO VILLAGE & CHURCH, (unchecked) (Uncertain). SNN59869.

<3> Callis W.G., 1988, Ancient Mears Ashby, p.16-17 (unchecked) (Report). SNN47171.

<4> Welsh T.C., 2002, Ringwork (?) Home Close, Mears Ashby, Northampton, (unchecked) (Notes). SNN102172.

<5> Welsh T.C., 2002, Ringwork (?) Home Close, Mears Ashby, Northampton, (unchecked) (Notes). SNN102172.

<7> Cottingham, R.F. Rev, 1982, Ladies Lane, Mears Ashby, (checked) (Plan). SNN110282.

Record last edited

Jul 2 2026 12:10PM