Monument record 2385/0/2 - Medieval Fishpond

Earthwork remains of possible medieval fishponds. These may be associated with the Manor House site.

{1} Area immediately to west known to have been levelled recently. Few significant earthworks around the ponds except for the dam at the east side. This has suffered some stock erosion prior to selling of the farm but is now under more sympathetically managed pasture. Traces of stone present around all sides but whether associated with the dam or other activity not established.
Eastern pond contains clear water. Western pond is heavily with dense reeds and reportedly has high wildlife interest. Causeway between ponds has character of having been refurbished/rebuilt in modern times- but perhaps overlying an earlier feature? Ponds said by owner to be spring fed. No overflow or by-pass leats or channels observed though the nearby stream could presumably have been so used? Modern pipe now drains eastern pond to stream. N end of western pond very boggy with no effective drainage to stream.
Owner has no record of any modern cleaning out of the ponds. No structures or other internal features observed. On current evidence there must be good potential for survival of ecofactual and artefactual remains within (?) anaerobic pond silts.

{2} Earthworks: 2 rectangular medieval fishponds; now much altered and mutilated; TL 0269 8605; Plan.

{4} Fishponds. Published survey (25"undated) to be amended by Field surveyors.

{5} Published survey (25") revised.

<1> Cadman, G., 2001, Manor Farm, Stoke Doyle, (unchecked) (SMR Report Form). SNN103886.

<2> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1975, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.91/Site 8 (checked) (Series). SNN77379.

<3> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, Used with NMR & CUCAP collections (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<4> Colquhoun, FD, 1962, Field Investigators Comments, F1 FDC 03-MAY-62 (Note). SNN111652.

<5> Baird, J, 1969, Field Investigators Comments (Note). SNN111452.

Record last edited

Feb 4 2025 7:53PM