Monument record 17/3 - Medieval moated site

Site of a Medieval rectangular moated enclosure showing as earthworks on air photographs dated 1947. In 1822-30, reference is made to the site of an associated residence visible as earthworks, although this was not recorded on the air photographs.

{2} Fieldname: Castle Yard.

{3} The site of the castle, or baronial residence of the ancient lords, is indicated by earthworks, S of Chipping Warden church, in the grounds between the entrance lodge to Edgcote and the mansion.

{4} The moat has been almost completely destroyed by ploughing and the ground retuned to pasture. From plans made before destruction, the site appears to have been a simple moated enclosure of roughly rectangular form. Air photos show slight traces of what appears to be ridge and furrow on the island. Water enteres the most near its north east corner and returned to the river by a large ditch on the south east side. In 1809 the area was known as Castle Yard but nothing is known of its history.

{5} Plan

{6} Continuous ploughing has reduced ditch to less than 0.5m depth. The edges of the 12m wide ditch are marked by light clay

{8} A square island within a square moat with possible inner and outer banks

{10} (SP50174837) Moat (LB)

[11} This feature has been ploughed out and the field returned to pasture. Nothing of interest remains to be seen, and no finds have been reported.

{12} Deleted on MSD. Air photograhps show site before destruction (a) and after (b).

<1> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP 54 NW 8 (Index). SNN443.

<2> 1809, Northants Record Office map of Chipping Warden 1809 (Map). SNN10546.

<3> Baker G., 1830, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p. 527 (Book). SNN77327.

<4a> Aerial Photograph, Air Photographs RAF 106G/UK/721, 3002-3, CPE/UK/1926, 1069-70 (Photographs). SNN112974.

<4> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p. 29/Site 5 (Series). SNN77382.

<5> OS 25 INCH MAP, OS 1:2500 Northants LIV 7 (Map). SNN10549.

<6> JARRETT R., 1992, Oral report ot SMR (Oral Report). SNN46066.

<7> Foard G.; Richardson D., 1983, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1982 (Aerial Photography), 18/183 (Notes). SNN100412.

<8> FOARD G.R., 1979, Oral report to SMR (Oral Report). SNN52454.

<9> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, NCCAP: SP5048/003-4 (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<10> Ordnance Survey Map (Scale/date), OS 6" 1955 (Map). SNN112944.

<11> Seaman, B H, 1970, Field Investigator's Comments (Notes). SNN111541.

<12b> Aerial Photograph, Air Photographs OS/75311 fr.243-44 (Photographs). SNN112974.

<12a> Royal Air Force, Vertical Aerial Photography, Air Photographs (RAF/CPE/UK/1994 fr.3105-06 13-APR-47) (Photographs). SNN104890.

<12> Colquhoun, FD, 1977, Field Investigators Comments (Notes). SNN114135.

Record last edited

Feb 10 2025 7:52PM