Monument record 884 - Dodford Park (Medieval/Post Medieval Deer Park & Possible Later Ornamental Park)

Medieval deer park situated to the south of the village, enclosed by William de Keynes soon after 1222. Fragments of the park pale visible as a low bank. Possibly converted to other use in 17th Century.

{1} Medieval deer park, documented in 1366, when owned by John de Keynes.

{2} A park of 50 acres is shown at this time.

{4} Formerly a park including 30 acres of wood, but the ground has long since been applied to other uses. William de Keynes who succeeded to the lordship in the 6th of Henry III "made a warren and inclosed a park at Dodford, which by inquisition were found to be an infringement upon the rights of the King's Manor of Fawsley". In Edward III's reign the size of the park of Johnde Keynes was said to be 50 acres.

{5} Formerly a park (MS Cott. Claud. D.x11.f 54 adf.65) including 30 acres of wood which was situated near Col. Benson's house, but the ground has long since been applied to other uses. William de Keynes who succeeded to the lordship in the 6th of Henry III "made a warren and inclosed a park at Dodford, which by inquisition were found to be an infringement upon the rights of the King's Manor of Fawsley". The Lordship was certified in his time to be of 3 1/2 hides and held of the fee of Leicester. William was the son of Imbert of Hereford, who died in the 6th year of Henry III (Nom Villas and feod. Mil. Edward I penes. Remem.Reg Sc-accar).

{8} SP 613603: A deer park situated to the south of the village, its original extent unknown. Fragments of the south and east boundary pale survive as low banks. The park was enclosed by William de Keynes soon after 1222 and was known to have an area of 50 acres by the 14th century. Position marked on 1742 map. Bridges records "there was formerly a park including 30 acres of wood... the ground halts long since been applied to other uses".

{10} The perimeter of this park could not be identified.

<1> BURT J., Note, (unchecked) (Notes). SNN44603.

<2> 1742, Map of Dodford, (unchecked) (Map). SNN14474.

<3> 1339, Inquisitions Post Mortem (12), p.49-50 (unchecked) (Document). SNN107610.

<4> STEANE J.M., 1975, The Medieval Parks of Northamptonshire, p.221 (checked) (Article). SNN37713.

<5> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.50 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77325.

<6> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP66SW7 (unchecked) (Index). SNN443.

<7> 1316, Nomina Villarum, (unchecked) (Document). SNN8783.

<8> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1981, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p. 74/ Site 2 (Series). SNN77381.

<9> RCHME, Undated, RCHME Inventory: Northamptonshire II (Central), 889436/889460 (Archive). SNN112900.

<10> Seaman, BH, 1969, Field investigators comments, F1 BHS 22-FEB-69 (Notes). SNN111907.

Record last edited

Feb 3 2025 8:50PM