Monument record 4039/2 - West Lodge, Beanfield Lawn

Possible forest official's lodge, shown on a map of 1580, but demolished at some point during the 17th century. Archaeological evaluation suggests a building with late medieval origins set within a circular ditched enclosure

{1} Geophysical survey identified a curving ditch-like feature containing a cluster of strong magnetic anomalies.

{2} Archaeological evaluation as part of the West Corby Urban Extension proposal identified later medieval/post medieval building remains within a circular ditched enclosure. Building remains comprised substantial foundations/robber trenches on two slightly different alignments suggesting two phases of construction. Much of the structural material removed, but Tudor-style brick fragments, Collyweston slates and glazed ridge tile fragments, as well as lead window came, indicate the building's status.
The building is shown as the 'West Lodge' on a map of 1580 {3}, where it is located on the boundary between Rockingham Forest and Benefield or Beanfield Lawn (an area of communal grazing). Its function is unclear, but it is possible it provided accomodation for a forest official known as an 'underkeeper', responsible for maintaining the deer and their habitat. On the map the lodge is shown within a its own rectangular enclosure, but there is no indication of the circular enclosure as revealed in the evaluation.
A map drawn at some in the 17th century [source unknown] no longer shows the building. The archaeological evidence indicates that occupation ceased sometime in the 17th century at which time the building was demolished and the enclosure ditches were filled in. A thick layer of clay, probably dating to the 18th century, sealed the site.

<1> Bartlett A., 2016, West Corby Urban Extension, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Geophysical Survey 2015-6 (Report). SNN111056.

<2> Thomas, J, 2016, An archaeological field evaluation (Phase 1 & part of Phase 4) in advance of the proposed West Corby Urban Extension, Northamptonshire, 2016 (Report). SNN111055.

<3> Treswell, 1580, Map of Beanfield, Corby (Map). SNN31020.

<4> Crank, N. (Editor), 2017, South Midlands Archaeology (47), p. 50-51 (Journal). SNN111362.

Record last edited

Apr 23 2025 6:46PM