Monument record 9874 - Open Field System, Charwelton

{1} The common fields of the parish were enclosed by agreement in 1531. Ridge-and-furrow of these fields exists on the ground or can be traced on air photographs over most of the parish except in the extreme west, around and north west of Charwelton Hill Farm (SP 522555), but even here it is more likely that modern cultivation has removed all traces rather than that there was never any ridge-and-furrow. Along the valley of the River Cherwell where it is still well preserved it is mainly arranged in end-on furlongs extending down the valley side. A similar pattern exists around the high land in the parish, especially in the north east, around the south and south east sides of Sharman’s Hill (SP 542574) where the ridges radiate outwards. Elsewhere on the flatter ground interlocked rectangular furlongs are more common .

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1981, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.47 site 9 (checked) (Series). SNN77381.

Record last edited

May 31 2024 10:34AM