Monument record 6642 - Open Field System, Thorpe Mandeville

The open fields were enclosed prior to 1806. Partial enclosure appears to be occurring from the early 17th century.

{1} The date of the enclosure of the common fields of Thorpe Mandeville is not known, but was certainly before 1806. Ridge and furrow of these fields exists on the ground or can be seen on aerial photos over much of the parish though it occurs only rarely on the extensive Northampton Sand deposits where modern cultivation has largely destroyed it. It is arranged in end-on and interlocked furlongs, mainly of reversed-S form and is particulrly well preserved to the east of the village where a field with ridges 8-9m wide and up to 0.75m high was known as Banky Grindle in 1806 (SP536451). The term 'Banky' for areas covered by high ridge and furrow is common in this part of the county.

[3} Chacombe Priory had land in two fields in the 14th century, the North Field and the South Field. 'Open fields' still existed in 1588 but by 1600 deeds refer to enclosures 'digged and enclosed' by Richard Westover of Thorpe. By the later 17th-century there were apparently many closes, but Bridges states that it was still open in c1720.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.148 site 10 (checked) (Series). SNN77382.

<2> 1806, Thorpe Mandeville Estate Map, (unchecked) (Map). SNN9834.

<3> HALL D.N., 1995, The Open Fields of Northamptonshire, p. 352 (Series). SNN56219.

Record last edited

Jan 17 2025 9:10AM