Monument record 1168/17 - Wick Hamon Manor, Wicken

Probable manorial complex at Wick Hamon during the medieval period. In 1248 a small garden and a dovecote are listed, suggesting the existence of some sort of manorial complex. In 2004, excavation in the garden of Glebe Cottage identified the remains of a circular dovecote and a bakehouse/brewhouse. Both structures were constructed in the middle of the 12th century and abandoned in the mid-15th century, possibly along with the rest of the manorial complex, when the manors of Wick Dive and Wick Hamon were united.

{1} Research excavation in the summer of 2004 identified the remains of a well-made circular dovecote constructed in local limestone. The stepped base of the external wall and the lack of nails and tiles in the demolition layers suggest that it was 'beehive' in form. An internal cistern for capturing rainwater, with a drain to the outside, indicates that the apex of the roof was open, providing access to the birds. The lack of evidence for a central potence provides further corroborative evidence for this hypothesis. No nest holes survived. Access was almost certainly gained from a small entrance on the norther-eastern side.

To the north, and separated by a large ditch, was an area containing floors, hearths and robbed out walls. This building was interpreted as a bakehouse and/or brewhouse. The principal feature was a raised stone plinth on which was set an oval oven and hearths, heat fed to them via a flue leading from a sunken stoke hole. This contained considerable quantities of charred plant remains including carbonised peas, beans, and lentils as well as cereal grains, indicating that straw was used as the principal fuel. The hearths too produced grains, indicating localised processing, drying and burning of organic material.

The ceramic evidence indicates both structures were constructed in the middle of the 12th century and abandoned in the mid-15th century, possibly following the acquisition of Wick Dive by the lord of Wick Hamon, Richard Woodville. The Woodvilles and their successors may have used Wick Dive manor house and the manorial complex at Wick Hamon rendered redundant.

<1> Page, M. and Jones, R., 2004, The Whittlewood Project: Excavation of a medieval manor at Wicken, 2004 (Article). SNN111297.

<2> Jones R.; Page M., 2006, Medieval Villages in An English Landscape: Beginnings and Ends, p. 184/plan (Book). SNN106311.

Record last edited

Dec 10 2018 11:17AM