Monument record 6419 - Open Field System, Farthinghoe

{1} The common fields of Farthinghoe had been enclosed by the early 18th century, for Bridges, writing in about 1720, recorded that the whole lordship was enclosed, but the exact date is not known. Ridge-and-furrow of these fields exists on the ground or can be traced on air photographs over much of the old parish of Farthinghoe. It is arranged in end-on and interlocked furlongs. The most notable feature is north of the village on a steep west-facing hill (SP 537400 - 539408); the hillside has collapsed into landslips and mud-flows. Where the landslips are most marked (SP 538407) the land was never cultivated in medieval times and the adjacent ridge and furrow terminates at the upper limits of the slip. Further south the ridge-and-furrow extends down the hillside over the landslips and as a result has an unusually uneven appearance both in plan and elevation.
The date of the enclosure of the common fields of the deserted village of Steane is also unknown, though it was probably in the late 15th or early 16th century. At least 1000 sheep were being grazed on the land by 1547. Ridge and furrow of these fields exists on the ground or can be traced on air photographs only in a few places as modern cultivation has destroyed much of it. Where it survives it is arranged in end-on furlongs, mainly running at right angles across the slopes.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.58 site 20 (checked) (Series). SNN77382.

<2> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.168 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77325.

<3> Allison K.J.; Beresford M.W.; Hurst J.G. et al, 1966, The Deserted Villages of Northamptonshire, p.46 (unchecked) (Report). SNN39628.

Record last edited

Dec 2 2024 10:20AM