Monument record 4271/2/4 - Possible Post Medieval Formal Gardens

Earthworks possibly representing the site of a garden as well as former settlement.

{1} It is not entirely clear what the surviving earthworks represent. Although the main area north of the moat appears to be the site of a garden, it is possible that some of the extant earthworks represent former medieval settlement.
Immediately to the north of the moat is a series of low scarps and banks, nowhere more then 0.5m high, forming a rigidly rectangular layout. Former extensions of this to the north and west have been destroyed by later activity. The purpose of the site is not certain but it may be the remains of a formal garden of the late C16th or C17th associated with the manor house. If this interpretation is correct the remains may represent the work of the Catesby family who held Arthingworth from the late C15th until the late C16th, or more probably their successors the Stanhopes or Langhams.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1981, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.3-4 site 4 (checked) (Series). SNN77381.

<2> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.2-3 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77326.

<3> Royal Air Force, Vertical Aerial Photography, AP (RAF VAP CPE/UK/2109,3286-7) (Photographs). SNN104890.

<4> RCHME, Undated, RCHME Inventory: Northamptonshire II (Central) (Archive). SNN112900.

<5> Ryland, W, Adkins, D, and Serjeantson, R M, 1902, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, p. 306, 318, 322 (Series). SNN100368.

Record last edited

Aug 29 2023 4:04PM