Monument record 745/1 - Hall Garth (Possible Site of Hunting Lodge)

Earthwork remains of fishponds north of the churchyard are thought to be the site of a royal hunting lodge which was first documented during the early 12th century. It was rebuilt several times before it ceased to be used by royalty in 1317.

{1} The site of the well-documented royal hunting lodge at Silverstone has not been located. It is mentioned as early as 1121-30 and was rebuilt and altered several times before 1317 when it was abandoned.It may have been located near the present parish church, close to the smaller of the two fishponds (SP 668443), for the area was known as Hall Garth in 1600 {5}.

{2} It is likely that the site of the hunting lodge was centred on SP66754430; a solid platform above the waterlevel with a good view over the ponds. The vegetation there grows oddly and is especially short in the middle of the area. The area was known as "Hall Garth" in 1600. The grand fishponds, evidence of king's and queen's chambers, hall, kitchen, stable etc all hint at a substantial manorial complex, perhaps even with a substantial garden to border the ornamental lake.

{3} The royal hunting lodge at Silverston was frequently visited by the Angevin Kings. Its site is uncertain, but the remains of fishponds immediately to the N of Silverstone churchyard suggests that it may have been in that vicinity (SP 668443). It is mentioned as early as 1121-30, and was rebuilt and altered several times before royal interest in it ceased in 1317.

{4} There is no tradition or known remains of a hunting lodge in the village.

{5} This area was known as Hall Garth in 1600.

{7} The forest contained the royal hunting lodge at Silverstone, whose location is unknown, though thought to lie near the parish church ie. 1.5km north of the Circuit.

{8} Hunting lodge believed to date from the reign of Henry I (1100-35) and developed mainly in the period of Henry II (1154-89) who spent large sums of money on it between 1178 and 1183. Henry III rebuilt part of the lodge and added a new chapel and additional rooms in 1247-50. Additional works were carried out in 1271 when the kitchen was rebuilt. Edward I (1272-1307) carried out intermittent repairs but by 1313 it was considered to be ruinous.

{9} Henry III undertook a major campaign of new building in the years 1247-50, including a new chapel, a new wardrobe for the queen and a new saucery next to the kitchen. Further planned alterations were cancelled in 1252 and only routine repairs were carried out until 1271 when the kitchen, 'which is ruined through old age', was rebuilt.

{10} There is no local tradition of a hunting lodge in the village, and no steading or moat is to be seen near the fish ponds. Published survey of fish ponds (25") revised.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.132 (checked) (Series). SNN77382.

<2> James T.; Steane J., 1997, Correspondence, (checked) (Notes). SNN46700.

<3> Brown R.A.; Colvin H.M.; Taylor, 1963, The History of The Kings' Works (Vol.II), p.1002-3 (unchecked) (Series). SNN3801.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP64SE3 (unchecked) (Index). SNN443.

<5> c1608, Whittlewood Forest Map (Map). SNN13327.

<6> Marsden F., 1997, An Archaeological Assessment in Connection With A Proposed Development at Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit, p.6 (checked) (Report). SNN62109.

<7> Sims M., 2013, Silverstone University Training College, Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Strip and Map Report, p.4 (checked) (Report). SNN109177.

<8> McAree D., 2004, The Wood Yard, Silverstone, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment, p. 9 (Full Report). SNN105066.

<9> Jones, R. and Page, M., 2003, Medieval settlements and landscapes in the Whittlewood Area: Interim Report 2003-4, p. 41 (Article). SNN111295.

<10> Baird, J., 1970, Field investigators comments, F1 JB 03-FEB-70 (Notes). SNN110341.

Record last edited

Feb 10 2025 8:17PM