Monument record 6131 - Open Field System, Horton

{1} The common fields of Horton had been enclosed before 1622. Ridge and furrow of these fields exists on the ground or can be traced from air photographs over almost all of the northern two thirds of the old parish. It is especially well-preserved around Horton Park, surrounding the site of the former village. It is arranged in interlocked furlongs, many of markedly reversed-S form. In the south of the old parish, within the area of the deer park, as well as beyond it to the south-east, there are further traces, also arranged in interlocked furlongs (SP825515, SP821524, SP828515). This suggests that large areas were under cultivation at some period. Part of this land was, in medieval times, a detached part of Cogenhoe parish.

{2} Many furlongs with headlands and joints, and a little meadow land, preserved in parkland and beyond. The parish was enclosed in 1561 when a park was made away from the vill. Part of this boundary is preserved cutting through undisturbed ridge and furrow. On the east of the house site there are many ha–has and other garden works, and alignments of features that once were part of two extensive avenues. The site includes the earthworks of Horton shrunken vill. There are a few medieval records, rentals and terriers, and full details of the post-medieval estate management. 65ha.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1979, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.70 Site 24 (checked) (Series). SNN77380.

<2> HALL D.N., 1993, The Open Fields of Northamptonshire : The Case for the Preservation of Ridge and Furrow, p.33 (unchecked) (Report). SNN70145.

<3> HALL D.N., 1993, The Open Fields of Northamptonshire: Areas Proposed for Preservation, (unchecked) (Supplement). SNN56952.

<4> 1622, Map of Horton Lordship (Gunning Collection), (unchecked) (Map). SNN44682.

Record last edited

Oct 30 2024 12:04PM