Monument record 1097/1 - Kalendar or Kayland, probable Premonstratensian Grange (or Possible Cell)

A cell of Premonstratensian canons was founded at Kalendar or Kayland in the parish at Cottesbrooke probably soon after Sulby Abbey (c1155), and as it does not appear in the taxation of 1291, had probably ceased by then. In part of the Lordship of Cottesbrooke is a meadow called Kalendar meadow, in which stood a place called Kayland holding a cell of Premonstratension canons. Large foundation stones have been dug up in Kalendar meadow, and the cell appears to have been moated.

{1} Medieval monastic grange or cell. It has been said to be the site of a cell of Premonstratensian Canons, founded soon after 1155 and probably abandoned by 1291. However there is no firm evidence for a true cell ever having been here and the site is more likely to be that of a grange or farmstead belonging to Sulby Abbey. Land called Kalender or 'Kayland' was given to Sulby Abbey by William Buttivillar, apparently soon after the foundation of the abbey in 1155. No other details of its history are known.
The main feature of the earthworks is a small moated site consisting of a rectangular island surrounded by a ditch. A low mound in the interior may be the remains of a building. To the north-west of the moat is a small embanked close, with a possible second large close extending to the stream. To the south-east of the moat is another close bounded on the south by a trackway and to the south of trackway is a further enclosure. A probable fishpond lies to the south-east.
Earthwork plan.
Although partly filled, the moat and fishpond (380ft SW) still remain. The area of land within the moat is 140ft x 110 ft. Earthworks are visible at SP690747(4) which are similar to the plan in AASR. (The name Kalendar is present at Calendar farm SP 694746).

{3} A priory cell was founded after 1155 from Sulby Abbey, and dissolved pre 1291. The cell was founded by William Buttevillan. Site Plan.

{5} Large foundation stones have been dug up.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1981, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.54-5 Site 4 (checked) (Series). SNN77381.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP67SE12 (unchecked) (Index). SNN443.

<3> Knowles; Hadcock, 1971, Medieval Religious Houses England and Wales, p.166 (checked) (Book). SNN10192.

<4> Steane J., 1974, The Northamptonshire Landscape, p.121 (unchecked) (Book). SNN5137.

<5> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.557 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77325.

<6> 1923, Associated Architectural Society Reports, 131-3 plan opp 131 (Journal). SNN69638.

<7> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, NR63 (St Joseph 25.4.54) (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<8> Baird, J, 1969, Field Investigators Comments, JB 14-JAN-69 (Note). SNN111452.

<9> Royal Air Force, Vertical Aerial Photography, RAF VAP 540/474 3151-2 (Photographs). SNN104890.

<10> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, CUAP AGU64-5,NR64 (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<11> RCHME: Cottesbrooke Monastic Grange Earthworks, Northamptonshire, P.55, Fig 48 (Archive). SNN116296.

Record last edited

Feb 10 2025 7:59PM