Monument record 1506/4 - The Great Pond, Brigstock Little Park

A large pond had been created by damming a stream to the south of the site of the medieval hunting lodge by 1603. The dam continued to form a causeway into the 18th century. It lies at the eastern end of the pond, along with a sheepwash and a 19th-century culvert.

{1} The pond, which is the largest in both parks, was created with the construction of a large dam across the stream close to the lodge at Askwellsyke. It was named in a document of 1659 as the Great Pond. It overflowed into a small pond on side of which was a well-constructed stone sheep dip.

{2} In the 1720s the dam continued to form a causeway providing access between Brake Hills and Land Ground. Although the Great Pond is overgrown, elements including the spillway, a brick culvert and the sheepwash are visible. The brick-lined culvert was inserted into the dam in the 19th century, probably to improve management of the water levels.

{3} An earthwork survey of the eastern end of the dam was undertaken prior to the construction of a new house on its northern edge. Subsequent archaeological observation during ground reduction identified a dry stone revetment wall forming part of the late medieval dam. A post-medieval quarry pit was also identified.

<1> Unknown, Brigstock Deer Parks: The Medieval Period (Report). SNN70351.

<2> Dawson, M, 2018, Heritage Assessment: Land at Acwellsyke Lodge, Brigstock, Northants (Report). SNN112599.

<3> Hargreaves, J, & Boot, E, 2021, Land at Washpit House, Grafton Road, Brigstock, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Watching Brief (Report). SNN112598.

<4> Crank, N. (Editor), 2021, South Midlands Archaeology (51), p. 67 (Journal). SNN113326.

Record last edited

May 12 2022 9:52AM