Monument record 4745 - Alderton

A relatively small agricultural settlement during the medieval and post-medieval periods lying partly within Whittlewood forest. A market and fair were granted to the lord of the manor in 1278, but there is no documentary evidence to suggest that they were ever established. The earthworks of a substantial ringwork castle probably dating to the early 12th century dominate the village. Remains of the shrunken Medieval village are seen as earthworks.

{1} Earliest map of the village is dated 1726 and shows the village virtually as it is now except for three buildings which no longer stand.

{2} 1st noted in 1086 Domesday when listed with 2 manors and a population of 8. Held by the Count of Mortain.

{3} Settlement remains (centred SP 740468) formerly part of Alderton. The village is first mentioned in Domesday as two manors with a total recorded population of 8. In 1301 38 paid the lay subsidy; no more records until 1523 when 21 paid the lay subsidy. 25 houses recorded by Bridges, and the village is shown much as it is now on a map of 1726. Stayed at same size until recent development. Map and earthwork evidence suggest that there were once two distinct parts to the village, along two roughly parallel roads running NW-SE.

{4} 25 houses in the early 18th century

{6} Little documentary evidence for Alderton survives: Domesday Book lists an Aldriton in 1086 consisting of two manors with a population of 8 held by Count [Robert] Mortain. In the mid-13th century the manor was acquired by Pagan de Chaworth from Thomas le Sauvage and it passed through a number of hands until 1539 when the crown bought it and the manor was annexed to the Honour of Grafton.

{7} Probably not taken forward to Stage 2 survey and assessment.

<1> 1726, Northamptonshire Record Office map of Alderton 1726, (unchecked) (Map). SNN59325.

<2> Ryland, W, Adkins, D, and Serjeantson, R M, 1902, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, p.322+328 (unchecked) (Series). SNN100368.

<3> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.63/Site 7 (checked) (Series). SNN77382.

<4> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.280 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77325.

<5> PRO series E179, PRO E179/155/31, 40 (Document). SNN115882.

<6> 2011, Alderton Mount, Northamptonshire, (checked) (Article). SNN107375.

<7> Foard, G., 2000, Draft Extensive Urban Survey Report: Alderton (Report). SNN111682.

<8> South Northamptonshire Council, 2013, Alderton Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (Policy Document). SNN112049.

<9> Royal Air Force, Vertical Aerial Photography, Air Photograph (RAF CPE/UK/1926, 3241-2) (Photographs). SNN104890.

Record last edited

Feb 3 2025 8:04PM