Monument record 2385 - Stoke Doyle

Settlement remains to the south-east of the present village and around the manor house and rectory indicate the village has shifted over time. There is no documentary evidence for a major desertion of the village, so the remains may indicate a gradual movement or planned relocation from its original valley position to the N-S Oundle to Aldwincle road. The movement may have been linked to the construction of the post-medieval manor house. Earthworks indicate two hollow-ways running north-south and to the south east. House platforms survive up to 1.5 m. high. Saxon and medieval pottery have been found to the north of the site.

{1}Since the enclosure the town is considerably lessened.

{2} There is no documentary record of any major desertion having taken place, or of any marked reduction of population. The remains may indicate the gradual movement of the village from its original valley-bottom site to the present site. Alternatively, the settlement may have been moved deliberately at some time in the post medieval period when the former manor house, which was pulled down in 1870 and replaced by the present building, was erected.

{3} Town and township maps of Stoke Doyle dated 1606 show layout of village and field boundaries (originals in Record Office).

{?}This village has seen major shrinkage and shift leaving extensive areas of village earthworks with a high potential.

<1> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.377 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77326.

<2> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1975, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.89 site 8 (checked) (Series). SNN77379.

<3> 1606, Map of Stoke Doyle, (unchecked) (Map). SNN57532.

<4> Historic England, Unknown, Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments, Inf J A Hadman, D A Jackson (Oral Report). SNN111577.

Record last edited

Jan 31 2025 3:49PM