SNN108102 - Archaeological desk-based survey of Southwick Woods, Northamptonshire

Southwick Woods once belonged to the royal Rockingham Forest and lay within an administrative forestry district known as the Bailiwick of Clyve, run by a Bailiff based at Kings Cliffe. These distinct woods were once very extensive and despite some clearance, still measured over 1000 acres in the mid-18th century. An excellent sequence of early maps enables detailed reconstruction of the medieval landscape on paper, with a high degree of confidence. Hunting lodges within the landscape have been recognised and aspects of their repair and construction noted. Aspects of the former, long-lived management regime of the land are apparent from documents.