Monument record 68/2/3 - Medieval/Post Medieval Fishponds

Fishponds, probably medieval, formerly interpreted as moated manor site; 17th century garden

{2} The pond on the east is now practically dry but the springs in that of the north still bubble.

{4} The only surviving earthworks of the medieval fishponds, probably much altered, lie in the north east (marked 'a' on the earthwork plan). They consist of two roughly rectangular islands, surrounded by shallow ditches which widen on the east to form a pond. The islands themselves are flat and featureless. The east side of the broad pond is edged by a steep-sided flat-topped bank up to 2m high with traces of a drystone wall on the inner side in the north east corner. This bank is very similar to terrace walks in other late C16th or early C17th gardens and may be an addition of that period. Remains of possible flower beds lie immediately to the east Figs 56+57.

{6} Pond containing two low islands. Very overgrown but all earthworks still clearly discernable. Some self seeded trees are growing in the western ditch.

{7} (SP 55553915) (Earthworks shown, not described).

{8} Originally a large double moat, the east and south areas have now, in part, been destroyed.
Published (25") survey revised.
There is no evidence of foundations on the islands.

<1> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, Used with NMR & CUCAP collections (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<2> Ryland, W, Adkins, D, and Serjeantson, R M, 1902, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, p.418 (unchecked) (Series). SNN100368.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP53NE12 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<4> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.58 Site 19 (checked) (Series). SNN77382.

<5> Taylor P., 1992, Fishponds Report 1992, (unchecked) (Report). SNN1339.

<6> Cadman G.E., 1996, Farthinghoe Parish: Steane Park, (checked) (Report). SNN49716.

<7> Ordnance Survey Map (Scale/date), OS 6" 1955 (Map). SNN112944.

<8> Baird, J., 1970, Field investigators comments, F1 JB 09-APR-70 (Notes). SNN110341.

<9> Royal Air Force, Vertical Aerial Photography, A/P (RAFVAP CPE/UK/1926, 2214-5) (Photographs). SNN104890.

<10> Aerial Photograph, A/P (CUAP SA22) (Photographs). SNN112974.

<11> Historic England, Undated, Steane, P10584 (Archive). SNN115548.

Record last edited

Feb 17 2025 7:57PM