Monument record 1071/2/5 - Possible Post Medieval Prospect Mound & Gazebo

A truncated mound with a small flat top and a steep profile surmounted by fallen masonry. Possibly the remains of a monastic meditative retreat. Probably medieval or post medieval.

{2} Earthwork. A truncated mound surmounted by falled masonry. Not a mill mound. The structure on top was possibly a single gazebo or possibly a meditative retreat connected with the monks at Pipewell.

{3} Close to the stream is a large mound ('e' on plan). In 1909 it was interpreted as a mill mound, but this is unlikely. It is a steep-sided conical mound some 3.5m high with a small, flat top. It is constructed largely of limestone rubble. It stands uncomfortably on an earlier levelled platform some 0.5m high, which has a ditch on its east side. The appearance of the mound suggests that it is post medieval and unconnected with the abbey. Around it to the north is a narrow drainage ditch of unknown date.

{4} The Mount: Artificial mounts were of course a feature of early Norman earthen castles, and occasionally such earthworks were adapted into the garden scene as at Rockingham Castle in the C17th and C18th. They are also associated with monastic sites and have been interpreted as calvaries. There is a small mound to the east of the Cistercian house at Pipewell in Northamptonshire. [Further description of the form of mounts is given.]

{5} SP 8412 8561: Noted during field investigation at a truncated mound, surmounted by fallen masonry. Surveyed.

{6} This is not a mill mound. The feature has a sharp, steep profile unlike an industrial mound. The small flat top can have held only a small structure, possibly a single gazebo or, more likely from its situation, a meditative retreat (connected with the monks of Pipewell). Published survey correct.

<1> ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY, 1909, Architectural Society Reports & Papers, (unchecked) (Journal). SNN39486.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP88NW11 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<3> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1979, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.172-3 (checked) (Series). SNN77380.

<4> STEANE J.M., 1977, The Development of Tudor and Stuart Garden Design in Northamptonshire, p.385 (checked) (Article). SNN69732.

<5> Seaman, B H, 1961, Field investigators comments, 28/Aug (Notes). SNN112887.

<6> Colquhoun, FD, 1969, Field investigators comments, 08/Oct (Notes). SNN112950.

Record last edited

Mar 7 2024 9:49AM