Monument record 1069/2/2 - Medieval Dam (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation)

Earthwork: Non-destructive fieldwork

{1} Large dam occupied by modern road with remainder under grazed grass. In very good condition. North east face of dam exhibits a steeper sided slope about its central 30m. No trace of stone or other revetting visible. At the mid point of this steeper area is a slight earthwork feature, resembling a small depression - possibly localised slumping of the steep slope. D Smith suggests that the dam was rebuilt during the 18th century as part of works associated with the building of the Welford arm of the Grand Junction canal. A channel below the dam leads west over towards the canal.

{2} Three dams, indicating that there were formerly three ponds.

{5} In the valley are three dams indicating the former presence of large ponds, though these had gone by 1731. The central one is much larger, up to 2.5m high, and the area behind it was known as Dam Meadow in 1731. (At that date a building stood below the dam, and this may have been a watermill.)

<1> CADMAN G.E., 1997, Archaeological Conditions and Reconnaissance Survey Report, (unchecked) (Report). SNN48250.

<2> Taylor P., 1992, Fishponds Report 1992, (checked) (Report). SNN1339.

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

<4> 1731, Map of Elkington, (unchecked) (Map). SNN13872.

<5> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1981, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.78-80 (checked) (Series). SNN77381.

Record last edited

Nov 19 2010 12:41PM