Monument record 1229/7 - Oakley Spinney

Area of post-medieval/modern woodland. Earthworks of degraded ridge and furrow survive within the wood

{1} Oakley Spinney is the only parcel of woodland on the modern estate which does not appear as woodland on the 1608 Whittlewood map. It is formed within a peculiar rectangular salient of Yardley Gobion parish, the only part of that parish lying to the south-west of Watling Street. The 1608 map shows this appear a set of small rectangular enclosures which might correspond to former furlongs within the Yardley Gobion open field system.

This cartographic observation is borne out by the archaeological survey. Surviving within the wood are areas of degraded ridge and furrow particularly in the northern half of the wood (centred on SP 743 443). The ridges area approximately 7m apart and aligned NE-SW parallel to the northern boundary. This is the only example on the Estate where ridge and furrow survives under the woods.

None of the current coppice banks and ditches can be considered to be medieval. However, it is likely that the south-western edge follows an original coppice bank and ditch line but this has been removed by the straightening of the ride separating Oakley Spinney from Lady Copse.

<1> Jones, RLC, 2001, An archaeological survey of woodland on the Wakefield Lodge Estate, Northamptonshire, March 2001, p. 15 (Report). SNN111620.

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

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

Record last edited

Feb 25 2025 8:08PM