Monument record 744 - Charlock deserted hamlet

Deserted medieval settlement visible as series of earthworks. Little is known of the history of this settlement. It is not mentioned until 1250 though it is probably much older. The earthworks appear to have been fitted into the end of a pre-existing furlong of ridge-and-furrow and thus must post-date the field system of the area.

{1} Nothing is known of the history of this site. It is not recorded by name until 1250, though it is probably much older. It is presumably included with Abthorpe in the national taxation records, though it was the centre of a separate land unit occupying the south of the modern parish and appears to have had its own field system. The principal interest of the remains is that they appear to have been fitted into the end of a pre-existing furlong of ridge and furrow and thus must post-date the field system of the area.
The remains consist of a roughly rectangular area bounded by shallow ditches on the SE. Two ditches on the NE appear to continue the furrows of the furlong to the SE, as does another ditch crossing the interior. Within the enclosed area are a number of small paddocks, bounded by shallow ditches or low scarps, In the W corner is a low circular mound and on the NW side are two adjacent depressions, perhaps once ponds. Traces of a hollow-way are visible on the NE.

{4} Extent of former earthworks in the northern corner of the settlement mapped. Bank and ditch earthworks also shown in this area.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.3 site 5 (checked) (Series). SNN77382.

<2> Cadman, G., 1999, Charlock DMV (Amended copy of RCHM plan), (checked) (Plan). SNN108985.

<3> Royal Air Force, Vertical Aerial Photography, APs: RAF VAP CPE/UK/1926, 3230-1 (Photographs). SNN104890.

<4> Gover J.E.B.; Mawer A.; Stenton F.M. (Eds.), 1933, The Place-names of Northamptonshire, p.90 (unchecked) (Series). SNN5881.

Record last edited

Jan 31 2025 8:31AM