Monument record 1663/2 - The Berry (Possible Late Saxon & Medieval Ringwork)

Enclosure, possibly pre-Medieval in origins, reused and formed part of a manorial complex during the Medieval period. [Also known as The Berries, The Bury or Rothersthorpe Berry]

{1} Rothersthorpe Berry. An enclosure known locally as The Berries, roughly triangular in shape. On the S. side, the rampart and ditch has been almost destroyed to make room for cottages and their gardens. Originally the work must have been of considerable strength.

{2} Nothing is known of its history and no date can be assigned to it. It may be a medieval defensive structure, or perhaps pre-medieval in origin and re-used as a manorial centre in the medieval period. Its nearest parallel is perhaps Burnt Walls at Daventry.

{3} It is thought that during the late Saxon period The Berry was constructed, a defensive ringwork surrounding an area of buildings. The earthwork remains of the inner rampart are still visible in the north-east corner and southern end. The enclosure subsequently formed part of the manorial complex in the medieval period.

{4} A strongly defended earthwork situated in a commanding position. A small enclosure with an accompanying small mound and a large steading within the major work are probably contemporary with the
original structure. No local references could be found regarding the site and Northampton Museum could not postulate a period. The engineering, situation, sharpness of profile, interior works and general appearance suggest a Norman origin, but the mound within cannot be considered a motte, although the smaller enclosure might possibly have held a major building. Resurveyed at 1/2500.
The work is probably of the same type as Weoley Castle in Warwickshire - 13-15th. Century. See SP 08 SW 2.

{5} No change.

{6} (SP 714575). A new school built in 1981 erected to the west of a scheduled earthwork, called `The Bury'. A watching brief carried out during earthmoving located ditches dating to c.9th-10th AD.

{8} Sketch with measurements;

<1> Serjeantson R.M.; Ryland W. (Editors), 1906, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, p.417 (unchecked) (Series). SNN100369.

<2> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.131 Site 8 (checked) (Series). SNN77382.

<3> Pozorski Z.; Brogan G., 2009, Manor House, 1 North Street, Rothersthorpe, Northamptonshire: An Archaeological Evaluation, p.6 (checked) (Report). SNN108285.

<4> Colquhoun, FD, 1964, Field investigators comments, F1 FDC 3-MAR-64 (Notes). SNN115250.

<5> Baird, J, 1969, Field Investigators Comments, F2 JB 3-MAR-69 (Note). SNN111452.

<6> Brown A.E.(ed), 1982, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1981, p. 102 (Journal). SNN100413.

<7> Historic England, Rothersthorpe Berry (Archive). SNN115251.

<8> Dryden H.E.L., 1842-1895, Dryden Collection, DR/25/231/51 (Archive). SNN115.

Record last edited

Jun 5 2024 12:26PM