Monument record 4140/2/3 - Possible Medieval Dams & Fishpond, Gretton

Earthworks of a fishpond with a subsidiary to the north-east. Shown as waterfilled in in 1587. Adajcent to earthworks of possible medieval hall.

{1} Set on a slight natural bench is a large fishpond presumably filled by seepage of water through the higher limestone land to the east, which breaks out as a spring when it meets the underlying clay. It consists of a rectangular depression cut back into the slope with a massive retaining bank or dam 3m high on the downhill side. There is a small subsidiary pond attached to it at its north east corner. Another small pond lies further north. On a map of 1587 the fishpond is shown as water-filled.

{3} Noted during Field investigation; a series of earthworks centred at SP.899945 and comprising in part a fishpond with a subsidiary to the N.E.
All as surveyed.
County Library research revealed no historical information regarding this complex but a map of 1587, in the Co. Records Office, refers to the field as "Hall Yarde", shows the fishpond as waterfilled and notes in the index -"The Hall Yarde, divided into two parts, where sometime stood the Manor House". Mr. W. Spendlove, the owner, confirming the Field name, stated that local tradition placed a former Hall here, and added that much worked stone had been removed for the construction of houses in the village.

{4} Report and survey of authority {1} acceptable.

<1a> Royal Air Force, Vertical Aerial Photography, A/P (RAF VAP CPE/UK/1925, 1148-9; 541/612, 4074-5) (Photographs). SNN104890.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1979, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.58/Site 7 (checked) (Series). SNN77380.

<2> 1587, Map of Gretton (NRO Map 3597), (unchecked) (Map). SNN233.

<3> Harper, F R, 1961, Field investigators comments, F1 FRH 05-SEP-61 (Notes). SNN113016.

<3> Taylor P., 1992, Fishponds Report 1992, (checked) (Report). SNN1339.

<4> Baird, J., 1970, Field investigators comments, F2 JB 19-MAR-70 (Notes). SNN110341.

Record last edited

Feb 23 2022 9:47AM