Monument record 3825/1/4 - Medieval/Post Medieval Fishponds and garden remains

The fishponds probably relate to the medieval manor which stood at or near the site of the extant Walgrave Hall.

{1} Documentary reference to medieval and post medieval gardens.

{3} Two fishponds, constructed in the bed of the original stream, traces of which still survive in the upper, north east pond. The natural valley slope forms the steep south east sides of these ponds and the stream was moved north west to pass outside the ponds, forming an overflow channel. The upper pond is extremely long and narrow with an irregular south east side and a retaining bank 1.5m high on the north west side. At its extreme north east end there is a small circular mound, formerly an island, perhaps used as a refuge for water fowl. The lower pond is smaller and more retangular with a wide retaining bank on the north west side. On maps of 1778 and 1792 only the lower pond is depicted, though in a schedule to the 1792 map the area containing the upper pond is described as having been a former pond.
To the S.E. of these fishponds, in a small tributary valley at right-angles to the main one, are two other ponds, up to 4 m. deep. These too may have originated as medieval fishponds, but appear to have been altered to form part of the Garden remains to the S.W. The latter consist of a rectangular area cut into the gentle slope, and bounded by low scarps 0.5 m. high. These may be the footings of walls enclosing the garden, for there is evidence of stone rubble within them. More stone rubble, as well as 17th-century brick foundations, is exposed along the edge of the adjacent pond. S.E. of this terrace or garden are more irregular low scarps and banks, perhaps the site of a former building, and other banks lie to the S.W. To the N.E. of the ponds, in the angle between them and the medieval fishponds, is a rectangular area bounded on the N.E. and S.E. by a low bank and ditch. This is respected by the adjacent ridge-and-furrow and may be either medieval or later in origin. On both the 18th-century maps the two ponds in this garden are shown.

{7} Fishponds in the grounds are fed by a stream.

{8} The two large fish-ponds are ranged alongside a stream, whilst the others are set up the hill and were once spring fed but now collect farm effluent.

{12} Details of shoe found in pond in 1996.

{13} Watching brief undertaken during excavation of ponds, removal of silts in smaller pond revealed only modern material. Removal of silts in larger pond revealed small amount of medieval pottery and tile and a C19th working man's leather shoe (unstratified).

<1> Post-medieval village map of Walgrave, (checked) (Map). SNN57103.

<2> 1989, Walgrave Fishponds, (checked) (Photographs). SNN55212.

<3> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1979, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.149/Site 8 (checked) (Series). SNN77380.

<4> Taylor P., 1992, Fishponds Report 1992, (checked) (Report). SNN1339.

<5> Taylor P., 1992, Fishponds Report 1992, (checked) (Report). SNN1339.

<6> 1792, Map of Walgrave, (unchecked) (Map). SNN25741.

<7> Salzman L.F.(ed), 1937, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, p. 217 (Series). SNN100371.

<8> Seaman, BH, 1969, Field investigators comments, F1 BHS 07-OCT-1969 (Notes). SNN111907.

<9> Aerial Photograph, AP 540-1312, 0217-8 (26.5.54) (Photographs). SNN112974.

<10> Chapman, A., 1997, Hall Farm fishponds: Topographical Survey Drawings, (checked) (Plan). SNN107456.

<11> 1778, Map of Walgrave, (unchecked) (Map). SNN25740.

<12> Constable S., 2000, Correspondence, (checked) (Correspondence). SNN100641.

<13> CADMAN G.E., 1996, SMR Report Form, (checked) (SMR Report Form). SNN49885.

Record last edited

Oct 6 2022 11:41AM