Monument record 609 - Possible Deserted Medieval Settlement (Possibly Catesby or Cumberford)

Two settlements described by Bridges as deserted in the 18th century are now unlocated. Earthworks noted in the far west of the parish may relate to one or other of the settlements

{1} There are records of at least two settlements described by Bridges as deserted in the 18th century. One was called Catesby, 'an enclosed manor with no house', the other, Cumberford, ' a depopulated village in an enclosed manor, now reduced to one house…the Crown ale house' {2}.
There are three possible sites; two lie close together in the far west of Watford parish. On the north side of a small east-flowing stream (at SP578695) is a broad, flat area bounded by scarps up to 2m high and with slight traces of ridge and furrow. Further north-east at SP580695, on a steep south-facing slope to the north of the railway cutting leading into Kilsby Tunnel, there are at least three small closes, bounded by small scarps. The southern ends have been truncated by the railway.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1981, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.189 Site 2 (checked) (Series). SNN77381.

<2> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.585 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77325.

<3> 1847, Northants Record Office Watford Tithe Map 1847 (Map). SNN116180.

Record last edited

Feb 3 2025 8:43PM