Monument record 2869/0/3 - Dam of medieval fishpond

Earthworks of a 15th century retaining dam at the eastern end of a former fishpond. The fishpond lay to the west and was still filled with water in the early 19th century. Associated with the Royal Hunting Lodge to the east.

{1} Earthwork of a medieval fishpond. The long rectangular pond covered just over 3ha immediately north of the present stream. The retaining dam at the eastern end, is a large earthwork bank 90m long, 15m wide and 4m high with remains of stone revetting on the upstream side. There is documentary evidence for a medieval fishpond, part of the royal hunting lodge. Repairs for its upkeep are recorded in the 12th and 13th centuries. The enclosure map of 1813 shows it filled filled with water; TL00339707;

{3} The fishponds attached to the King's house were already in existence in Norman times. The meadow to the west of the old house was known as 'fishpools'. There is one pond remaining called Piskies (Piscinae). The sluices still stood 'not many years ago'. The main dam is 105 paces long and at its broadest in the middle is 12 paces wide. It is 12ft high. There are considerable remains of limestone revetting on the western side of the bank where the ponds were; to the east are depressions which may be old stone pits unconnected with the ponds. Summary of documentary references.

{5} Photographs of the earthworks showing the dam and some physical data.

{6} Earthworks known locally as kilns;

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1975, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.60/Site 5 (checked) (Series). SNN77379.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, TL09NW4 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<3> STEANE J.M., 1970, The Medieval Fishponds of Northamptonshire, 4/NO.5/307 (Journal). SNN4943.

<4> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.429 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77326.

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

<6> 1992, SUPPLEMENTARY FILE (Uncertain). SNN51619.

<7> 1813, Kings Cliffe Enclosure Map (NRO Map 2860) (Map). SNN106964.

<8> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, Used with NMR & CUCAP collections (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

Record last edited

Feb 4 2025 7:39PM