Monument record 5136 - Open Field System, Little Harrowden

{1} The common fields of the parish were enclosed by Act of Parliament of 1781. Ridge and furrow of these fields can be traced on the ground or on air photos in the west of the parish and around the village, though little has survived east of the village. Most of the ridge and furrow is in end-on furlongs, though there are some interlocked furlongs which appear to be determined by the relief, the ridges being orientated at right angles to the contours (eg at SP855705 and 856710). There are several well-marked headlands up to 300m long and 25m wide (eg SP856710 and 853708). The most impressive of these (from SP858703 to 868713) is some 1500m long with several sharp charges of direction.
In the extreme west part of the parish is a small area known as Breach Close which was part of the Lordship of Wythmail in 1754 and must have been cleared woodland. However there is no trace of ridge and furrow within this area.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1979, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.82 site 8 (checked) (Series). SNN77380.

<2> 1754, MAP, (unchecked) (Map). SNN47856.

Record last edited

May 7 2014 9:23AM