Monument record 9510/0/1 - Modern land drains

Probable late 18th to early 19th century stone land drains identified during archaeological watching brief.

{1} Truncating each furrow (HER ref 9822/0/2) were probable late 18th to early 19th century stone land drains, approx 0.35m wide. They were constructed from rough limestone field or natural stones, the larger, flatter ones laid at the base of the drain. Other stones appeared to have been laid in pairs on end, but it is unclear if they were erected to form a triangular shape for the water to drain through, or if the upright stones provided a focus for the water to follow. Each drain appeared to contain amounts of silts suggesting they no longer functioned.
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries it was common practice to lay land drains in the base of furrows of medieval ridge and furrow cultivation.

<1> Foard-Colby A., 2013, Archaeological Observation, Investigation, Recording and Analysis of Works at Home Farm, Cranford, Northamptonshire June 2013, p.8 (checked) (Report). SNN109093.

Record last edited

Feb 26 2025 8:11PM