Monument record 2724 - Earthwork bank and ditches

Earthwork bank within and south-east of Old Sulehay Forest. The date and purpose of the bank is unknown. Undated linear bank visible as cropmarks on HE Reconnaissance aerial photographs taken 30th June 2015

{1} Earthwork bank within and south-east of Old Sulehay Forest. It is generally straight, but with minor bends which do not alter its main north-west to south-east alignment. It is up to 1m high x 5-6m wide, with side ditches 0.5m deep x 4m wide. At its south-east end it runs into modern arable and although now destroyed there air photos show that it did not extend across the Yarwell to Wansford road. This land, recently cleared of trees, was formerly part of the wood. In the middle of the wood the bank crosses the central ride, whose side banks lie over it. At its north-west end the bank decreases in height and fades out. The date and purpose of the bank is unknown. It is earlier than the ride (which is probably C19th). The bank may be associated with stone quarrying [Mon 2722/1.].

{2} The earthwork survives in good condition within the wood. It extends north west to south east over an approx total distance of 250m though its character either side of the main ride and modern bridleway is different. South of the ride the feature comprises a 130m long prominent broad bank flanked by two ditches, of an overall width of c.12-15m with the bank being 5-6m broad and at least 1m high. To the north of the ride the bank quickly peters out and the two ditches start to diverge before becoming unrecognisable within an overgrown area of possible additional earthworks, short of the northern boundary to the wood.

{3} The feature is visible as parallel cropmark ditches on HE Reconnaissance aerial photographs taken 30th June 2015

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1975, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.115 Site 10 (checked) (Series). SNN77379.

<2> Cadman, G., 2004, Yarwell Parish Field Inspection, (unchecked) (Note). SNN106977.

<3> Aerial Photograph, 28733_005-011 30-JUN-2015 (Photographs). SNN112974.

Record last edited

Feb 7 2025 2:33PM