Monument record 1625/2/1 - The Shepherds' Race Maze

Medieval or later maze or labyrinth on Boughton Green

{1} Documentary references dating to the post medieval period refer to a turf-cut maze somewhere on the green in the deserted settlement of Boughton Green. Site name: The Shepherds' Race.

{2}{3} Plans.

{5} The maze existed not far from the original parish church, which was built by the Abbott of St Wanddregesile in Normandy. It was dedicated to St John the Baptist. In 1917 the army dug pratice trenches through the maze and it has never been restored.

{9} The maze at Boughton Park is variously refered to as "Shepherds Maze", "Shepherds'Race", "Shepherds'Ring", "Shepherds' Hay", "Shepherds'Run", "Cobblers Round Maze" or "Church Maze". It was an intricate maze of circular form, 37 feet in diameter, ending in a definite spiral. It was described as neglected by 1849, but may have been recut in the late 19th century. Possibly used as a Church Maze - as an alternative to going on a pilgrammage or may have been recreational.

{10} The Maze is not shown on early maps and its site could not be ascertained locally.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1981, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.16/Site 8 (checked) (Series). SNN77381.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP76NE3 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<3> 1857, Associated Architectural Societies Reports, p.260 (unchecked) (Series). SNN17383.

<4> Northamptonshire Notes and Queries (Series 1), p.60 (unchecked) (Series). SNN18722.

<5> PENNICK N., Mazes and Labyrinths, (unchecked) (Notes). SNN47562.

<6> Stevenson G.E., 1946, A Short Guide to Boughton, (unchecked) (Guide). SNN48114.

<7> MATTHEWS W.H., 1922, Mazes and Labyrinths, p.75-6 (unchecked) (Extract). SNN48115.

<8> Wetton, 1849, Guidebook to Northampton and its Vicinity, p.96 (unchecked) (Book). SNN1032.

<9> Scott S., 1995, The Follies of Boughton Park, p.60 (checked) (Book). SNN44220.

<10> Phillips, AS, 1962, Field Investigators Comments, F1 ASP 27-APR-62 (Note). SNN113328.

Record last edited

May 12 2022 2:32PM