Monument record 747/1/1 - Large Medieval Fishpond & Possible Mill Pond

{2} Earthworks. The water was retained by a 3m high dam. At the east end the dam turns northwards to form a marshy area, possibly another pond, the water supplied via an embanked leat forming the south-east side of the larger pond. A scarp or bank 0.25m high forms the south-west end. A second embanked leat forms the north-west side. The fishponds were associated with the Royal Hunting Lodge. In 1227 the Sheriff of Northampton was ordered to repair the king's ponds at Silverstone. There are mid C13th references to the activities of "William, the King's fisherman". The later history is unknown as the lodge was not used from the early C14th.

{4} Of greater size was the fishpond at Silverstone, some 700m long, now dry beneath an impressive dam at SP669448, where the parish boundary was altered to incorporate it. It was in use in the C13th. An excellent view is obtained from the A43.

<1> STEANE J.M., 1970, The Medieval Fishponds of Northamptonshire, p.308 (unchecked) (Journal). SNN4943.

<2> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.134 Site 2 (checked) (Series). SNN77382.

<3> Taylor P., 1992, Fishponds Report 1992, (checked) (Report). SNN1339.

<4> Laundon J.R., 2006, The Importance of Northamptonshire's Reservoirs, p.73 (part checked) (Article). SNN109288.

Record last edited

Feb 19 2014 5:58PM