Monument record 4729 - Preston Park (Medieval & Post Medieval Deer Park)

An enclosed area near Park Farm may be the site of a Medieval deer park; it was emparked in 1228-9 and was still in use in 1660. There is no evidence for a park pale.

{1}Documentary evidence: In 1227-31 Walter de Preston was allowed 6 does from Salcey Forest to put in his park; a gift from the king;

{2} Deer Park (?)(perhaps SP 792540) immediately E of Park Farm, on Boulder Clay at 100 m. above OD. In 1228-9 Walter de Preston obtained a grant of a number of deer from Salcey Forest to stock his park at Preston. In 1660 the park was still in existence and deer were being hunted in it. There are some difficulties in determining the exact location of this park. The field names on the 1839 map give no indication that the area was ever a park. Beyond it to the west, around Park Farm, there are several significant names, but the fields here do nat have any traces of large banks bounding them (RAF aerial photograph).

{6} RAF aerial photograph: RAF CPE/UK/1926, 3019-20

<1> STEANE J.M., 1975, The Medieval Parks of Northamptonshire, p.230 (Article). SNN37713.

<2> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1979, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.63/Site 16 (checked) (Series). SNN77380.

<3> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.380-81 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77325.

<4> 1839, Hackleton Tithe Map, (unchecked) (Map). SNN26269.

<5> 1932, Fieldnames Overlays (general-needs sorting out into OS quarter sheets), (unchecked) (Map). SNN10076.

<6> Royal Air Force, 1940s, RAF Vertical Aerial Photographs, RAF VAP CPE/UK/1926 (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN105266.

Record last edited

Nov 25 2024 2:15PM