Monument record 1415 - Open Field System, Falcutt

The common fields of both Falcutt and Astwell were enclosed in 1761. It is assumed that easch settlement originally had its own field system, though it's not certain. The ridge and furrow of Falcutt is arranged in interlocked and end-on blocks carefully adapted to the broken ground.

{1} The common fields of Astwell were enclosed by an Act of Parliament of 1761 and the common fields of Falcutt were also enclosed at this time. It is possible that each settlement once had its own field system, though this is not certain, and the assumed boundary between the two has been reconstructed on the basis of two lengths of broad droveway, a footpath and a stream which form a continuous line. Ridge-and-furrow of these fields exists on the ground or can be traced on air photographs over much of the land of the old parish of Astwell and Falcutt. Around Falcutt it is arranged in interlocked and end-on blocks carefully adapted to the broken ground. To the north east, between Astwcll and Falcutt, the furlongs run north west, down an north west-facing valley side. Ridge and furrow is also traceable within the area of land of Stocking Farm, which was formerly a detached part of Helmdon parish to the south east of Falcutt. Here the pattern is virtually complete and it would be of considerable interest to know how this land was farmed in the medieval period and by whom.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.88 (unchecked) (Series). SNN77382.

<2> Hall D., 2001, The Woodland Landscapes of Southern Northamptonshire, p.33-46 (unchecked) (Article). SNN102520.

Record last edited

Oct 14 2024 2:48PM