Monument record 6817/0/1 - Ponds Within Great Billing Hall Park

Fishponds, 18th century but possibly with medieval origins

{1} Earthworks of six medieval/post medieval fishponds.

{2} Fishponds (SP 805629), lie west of the church in the valley of a south flowing stream, on Upper Lias Clay and alluvium between 55 m and 68 m above OD. The valley contains four ponds and the fifth pond extends up a tributary valley to the north-west.

The upper pond is very small, only 9 m. by 21 m Below it is a larger one 12 m by 60 m with a third and larger one 16 m by 140 m below it. The lowest pond is slightly curved in plan and is 20 m by 100 m. All these ponds are water-filled and with stone or brick dams of 18th or 19th century date. The upper two have brick retaining walls along their edges. The pond in the tributary valley is now dry but was formerly 20 m by 180 m. As they stand all these ponds appear to be of 18th century date and part of the surrounding parkland which was associated with the now demolished Billing Hall. They presumably therfore date from just after 1776 when Lord John Cavendish erected the hall. However, it is possible that the ponds were only remodelled at that time and that they are medieval in origin.

{4} The watercourses appear to have been widened to form ornamental features.

<1> Hall, D., 1978, Great Billing Parish Survey, p.162 (unchecked) (Article). SNN62928.

<2> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1985, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.223/Site 16 (checked) (Series). SNN77383.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1880s, First Edition OS 6 Inch Mapping Series (45NE), (part checked) (Map). SNN106001.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1811-9, First Edition Ordnance Survey Surveyors Drawings, Sheet 253 (Map). SNN104902.

Record last edited

Oct 23 2024 10:29AM