Monument record 743 - Possible Medieval Settlement at Brackley Hatch

Cropmarks, earthworks and stonework identified from aerial photography and interpreted as probable medieval settlement during the Northants NMP. Further earthworks were identified on aerial photography and remote sensing data and mapped as part of Historic England’s North Buckinghamshire Aerial Investigation and Mapping project

{1} Aerial photo NCCAP:SP6541/001.

{2-7} A possible subrectangular ditched enclosure and linear ditches of uncertain date and function is visible on historic aerial photographs and remote sensing data as earthworks and was mapped as part of Historic England’s North Buckinghamshire Aerial Investigation and Mapping project. Located in fields south of Needles Hall Farm and centred at SP 65003 41703, the 1814 Ordnance Surveyors Drawing indicates that this area was within an assart bounded by Mary Wood, Buttocks Spire and Yearles Wood at that time, formerly part of the medieval hunting forest of Whittlewood. It is possible that the linear and sinuous ditches represent boundaries of former settlement. The several pits and maculae are of uncertain function. Partly obscured within the woodland on the west side is a subrectangular ditch up to 7.5 metres wide that encloses an internal area about 65 x 35 metres at its widest. It is possible that this ditched enclosure and other features represent activity dating anywhere between the Iron Age and post-medieval periods.

<1> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, (unchecked) (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<2> Vertical Aerial Photograph, US-7PH-GP-LOC201 PORT 13052 06-MAR-1944 (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN112695.

<3> Royal Air Force, Vertical Aerial Photography, RAF-3G-TUD-UK-86 RV 6044 26-MAR-1946 (Photographs). SNN104890.

<4> Vertical Aerial Photograph, NHC 1681-2 UNKNOWN DATE (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN112695.

<5> Environment Agency, LIDAR Composite DTM - 1m, LIDAR SP64SE dated 2019 SP6541 (Digital Plots). SNN111710.

<6> Environment Agency, LIDAR Composite DTM - 1m, LIDAR SP64SW 2019 SP6441 (Digital Plots). SNN111710.

<7> Ordnance Survey Map (Scale/date), 2"/1814 (Map). SNN112944.

Record last edited

Aug 9 2024 9:21AM