Monument record 8038 - Possible WWI/WWII Military Training Site

Earthwork fragments of training trenches, slit trenches and possible rifle butts are recorded from aerial photographs. The earthworks are thought to to date from either WW1 or WW2

{1} Military trench training systems are recognised as often leaving only slight earthwork or cropmark evidence and such is the case in Northampton. Trenches were designed as ephemeral earthworks, intended to provide protection for troops for a relatively short period of time when attacked or when defending an area. A major feature of land warfare during the C19th and first half of the C20th, infantry training trench systems have been recognised in extensive form on Salisbury Plain, Penally in Wales, Cannock Chase in Staffordshire and in Berkshire along with other parts of the country. At the start of the century, large-scale military manoeuvres were conducted on privately owned land, such as around Althorp Park. Large scale manoeuvres by the British Army in 1913, which included use of cavalry and aircraft, were concluded with use of entrenchments on Sharmans Hill, Charwelton. Other training took place elsewhere across the county during both World Wars. The post-medieval turf maze at Boughton Green is said to have had military trenches cut across it during training in WWI. The best local example however is on what were the outskirts of Northampton, now part of Bradlaugh Park, where several earthwork fragments of training trenches, slit trenches and possible rifle butts are recorded from aerial photographs. Though undated, these fieldworks are presumed of WWI or WWII origin and are a rare survival in the county. In their developed form trench systems were composed of three distinct elements: a front line, support trenches, and a reserve, all of which were connected by a further series of communication trenches. Though zigzag features are apparent, there is insufficient survival to determine whether any of the Northampton examples follow this pattern. It remains to be determined whether any traces of these presumed military training earthworks still survive within the park.

{2} A rapid survey of the area failed to find any trace of the military training features.

<1> Cadman, G., 2003, Northampton, Bradlaugh Fields - possible military training earthworks, (checked) (Note). SNN106992.

<2> Cadman, G, 2014, Note on earthworks- Scrub Field LNR, Bradlaugh Fields, Northampton (Note). SNN114657.

Record last edited

Apr 1 2025 4:29PM