Monument record 7077 - Open Field System, Benefield

{1} An Act of Parliament for enclosing wastes and commonable land in the parish was passed in 1820 but this only involved a relatively small area since the greater part had already been enclosed by this time. Nothing is known of the former common fields, but extensive ridge and furrow, apparently of these fields, can be seen on the ground or traced on air photos, around the two villages of Upper and Lower Benefield, and in the extreme north of the parish. It is mainly in the form of end-on furlongs of C and reversed-S form, although a large area of rectangular interlocked furlongs exists east of Spring Wood (SP973880). Extensive traces of ridge and furrow survive in the Lyveden valley in the south of the parish; it consists of both end-on and interlocked furlongs, and part apparently overlies a medieval occupation and pottery site. This ridge and furrow may be associated with the deserted village, medieval moat and other remains, which lie to the south in Pilton parish. In addition, there are also considerable remains of ridge and furrow in the east and south east of the parish associated with the deserted medieval settlement of Churchfield.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1975, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.19 Site 14 (checked) (Series). SNN77379.

<2> 1813, Oundle/Benefield Enclosure Map, (unchecked) (Map). SNN47519.

<3> 1826, NRO Inclosure Plan 4; T174 of Benefield, (unchecked) (Map). SNN102435.

<4> 1824, Benefield Enclosure Map, (unchecked) (Map). SNN35329.

Record last edited

May 1 2015 12:08PM