Monument record 2483/2/1 - Rectilinear Enclosure, Possibly Medieval (or Earlier)

{1} Earthwork observed by J.Johnston in 1979. Possibly medieval in date.

{2} Earthwork was also noted by D.Hall in 1982.

{3} Earthwork of an undated, embanked enclosure approximately 60m sq. Shows well on aerial photographs, but less well on the ground. The north side is well preserved with its original entrance, the eastern side has been completely removed, faint traces remain on the western side and souht-west and south-east corners. There is a possible ditch alongside the southern part, but much of the southern side has been overploughed by ridge and furrow.

{4} Settlement earthworks. A small earthwork site that fits in with surrounding ridge and furrow. Date presumably medieval, but unknown function. (Check ngr.)

{5} The earliest feature was an embanked enclosure c.60m square; a dark green patch in the grass along the southern side might indicate a ditch. This undated enclosure shows up well on air photographs, but less so on the ground. The northern side, with its original entrance, is well preserved ('a' on plan). The eastern side has been entirely removed. There are faint traces in places of the western side and of the south-western and south-eastern corners (marked 'b' and 'c' on the plan). It is possible that the enclosure was defined on the east by a hedge (shown on the 1747 map); it's bank remains. The southern part of the enclosure is overploughed with ridge and furrow. It is possible that this phase of development is contemporary with Site 'A' (ie. Mon 2483/1).

<1> JOHNSON J., 1979, ORAL REPORT TO SMR, (unchecked) (Oral Report). SNN50577.

<2> HALL D.N., 1982, ORAL REPORT TO SMR, (unchecked) (Oral Report). SNN50748.

<3> BROWN A.E., 1996, NOTE, (unchecked) (Notes). SNN47740.

<4> Hall D.N., 1960-1999, Rockingham Forest Project: Archaeological Sites Recorded by David Hall, Benefield/Site 19 (unchecked) (Database). SNN102279.

<5> Brown A.E.; Johnston A.G., 1996-7, Earthworks at Benefield, p.197-9 (checked) (Article). SNN104079.

<6> 1747, NRO Map 5539 original from Biggin Hall of Benefield, (unchecked) (Map). SNN102434.

Record last edited

Nov 13 2012 5:34PM