Monument record 2799 - Southwick

Southwick is not mentioned in 1086 although archaeological excavation has identified significant evidence for late Saxon ironworking. The main manor is first recorded in the 12th century. It is possible that the place-name the 'south-wic', implies a dependent Anglo-Saxon farm, which has tenuously been associated with the royal estate at Nassington. Earthworks of possible medieval date, but of unknown significance, survive to the south of houses on Main Street.

{1}A source of information on early iron smelting in the Rockingham Forest area JW Judd, from his 1875 Geological survey; 'At Southwick the Northampton Sand is seen and has been worked in ancient times; this is manifest by the large quantities of slag found there'.

{3} Southwick was not mentioned in 1086 and the main manor is first documented in the 12th century. Although a Domesday association with Tansor has been suggested, the tenuous links recorded are mainly with the royal estate at Nassington and the 'south-wic' may imply a dependent Anglo-Saxon farm. The'wic' element may alternatively been a pasture within the forest as suggested by the Harley field-names immediately south of the village.

<1> Bellamy B.; Jackson D.; Johnston G., 2000-01, Early Iron Smelting in the Rockingham Forest Area: A Survey of the Evidence, p.103-128 (unchecked) (Article). SNN103947.

<2> 2003, Architectural plans for a barn conversion at Townsend Farm, Main Street, Southwick (Plan). SNN108767.

<3> Foard, G.; Hall, D. & Partida, T., 2009, Rockingham Forest: An atlas of the medieval and early-modern landscape, p. 270-1 (Book). SNN106598.

Record last edited

Jul 21 2026 9:27AM