Monument record 1229/4 - Smalladine Copse

Area of medieval woodland with earthworks of boundary bank and ditch. Part of Whittlewood Forest

{1} Smalladine Copse is Smallydene (Smael, denu- narrow valley) in 1287 {4}. This copse, like the majority on the Estate has been reduced in size: the western bounds have been destroyed by the straightening of the Paulerspury road and the southern section by the creation of arable fields. The original medieval coppice banks and ditches survive to the north and east, although the eastern bank terminates just before leaving the woodland (SP 725 431).

The mention of Smallydene in 1287 should be taken as a terminus ante quem for the creation of the coppice system. A 12th or very early 13th century date would appear more probable.

No internal features of archaeological significance were recorded.

<1> Jones, RLC, 2001, An archaeological survey of woodland on the Wakefield Lodge Estate, Northamptonshire, March 2001, p. 11 (Report). SNN111620.

<2> Collier; Baker;, c1600, Map of Whittlewood Forest (NRO Map 4210) (Map). SNN105610.

<3> , 1887, First Edition OS Mapping (Map). SNN1004.

<4> Gover J.E.B.; Mawer A.; Stenton F.M. (Eds.), 1933, The Place-names of Northamptonshire (Series). SNN5881.

Record last edited

Feb 25 2025 8:08PM