Monument record 1975 - Wilby Thorpe (Possible Medieval Settlement)

Possible site of deserted medieval village. Rubbish pits containing medieval sherds were exposed by pipe laying work in the parish and fieldwork has produced St Neots ware, a wide range of 13th century shelly wares, large quantities of orange coarse sandy wares and a brass Jetton circa 1570-1610. Pieces of green glazed tile of the Lyveden type have also been found nearby. Documentary evidence supports the possibility of the site in 1251 and 1317.

{1} Rolls of inquisitions refer to Wilby Thorpe in 1251 and 1317.

{2} Reference incorrectly locates in Wellingborough parish. Rubbish pits containing medieval sherds, including Lyveden jug pieces, have been exposed by pipe laying work at (A) SP 876 679 in the parish of Wellingborough. Fieldwork at sites (B) SP 872 675 and (C) SP 871 680 has produced St Neots ware, a wide range of 13th century shelly wares, large quantities of orange coloured coarse sandy wares,(provisionally dated as early 16th century) and a brass Jetton circa 1570-1610. Pieces of green glazed tile of the Lyveden type have been found at (C) SP 871 680. (See also SP 86 N 13 & 14 - rectangular crop marks and Roman finds).

{3} Ridge and furrow lies over most of the area but the settlement could lie beneath the existing farmbuildings.

{4} Deserted medieval village suggested by an area of old inclosures.

{5} Documentary evidence supporting the possibility of the deserted medieval village of 'Wilby Thorpe' is found in the early Rolls and Inquisitions of 1251 and 1317. Nothing visible on available air photos (RAF 1954).

{6} There is extensive housing development in the area. No remains of DMV seen.

<1> ROLLS OF INQUISITIONS, (unchecked) (Document). SNN47169.

<2> Brown A.E. (Ed.), 1967, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1966/67 (Medieval), p.28-29 (unchecked) (Article). SNN26725.

<3> FOARD G.R., 1981, Oral Report to SMR, (unchecked) (Oral Report). SNN51004.

<4> 1801, Enclosure Map, (unchecked) (Map). SNN32693.

<5> Gover J.E.B.; Mawer A.; Stenton F.M. (Eds.), 1933, The Place-names of Northamptonshire, p.141 (checked) (Series). SNN5881.

<6> Baird, J., 1970, Field investigators comments, 18-AUG-1970 (Notes). SNN110341.

Record last edited

Feb 4 2025 8:24PM