Monument record 1968/1/1 - Possible Moat, Ringdales Wood

Medieval or Post Medieval triangular earthwork suggested as a possible moat, decoy pond or drainage ditch. Previously considered to be a homestead moat, although this is doubtful.

{1} Earthwork in Ringdales Wood. A triangular area of c.1ha. Surrounded by a shallow ditch 3-10m wide x 1m deep. Its interior is flat and level with the surrounding land. No entrance causeway identified. It has been identified as a moated site but recent investigations cast doubt on this.

{2} Not a homestead moat. Either a perimeter drainage ditch or a decoy pond. Possibly contemporary with the original tree-planting.

{3} At TL06607975 is a homestead moat in Ringsdales Wood.

{4} Supposed connection with the Ringsdon family.

{5} Sketch plan from site visit. Square moat in the southern half of the wood.

{6} Plan.

{7} Not a homestead moat; the feature is either a perimeter drainage ditch contemporary with the original tree planting or, more likely, an encircling decoy run. To the north (east of the modern road) is an area of disused quarrying.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1975, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.29/Site 3 (checked) (Series). SNN77379.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, TL07NE1 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<3> Page W. (ed), 1930, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire- The Borough of Northampton, p.125-26 (unchecked) (Series). SNN100370.

<4> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.367 (unchecked) (Book). SNN100366.

<5> FOARD G., 1980, Ringdales Wood Site Visit, (unchecked) (Plan). SNN105755.

<6> 1958, OS 6 INCH MAP, (unchecked) (Map). SNN6332.

<7> Colquhoun, FD, 1969, Field investigators comments, F1 FDC 11-DEC-69 (Notes). SNN112950.

Record last edited

Apr 12 2023 10:45AM