Monument record MDO4254 - Ridge and furrow, Parsonage Farm, Mappowder

Ridge and furrow in fields north of Parsonage Farm buildings. The remains of the medieval open field system of Mappowder. The open fields were enclosed in 1807, though it is thought likely that some parts had been enclosed earlier. It has been suggested, based on aerial photographic evidence, that earthworks immediately north of the farm may be the remains of a small medieval settlement.

A medieval settlement consisting of possible building plots, tofts and crofts, enclosed field strips containing ridge and furrow and trackways between the fields. Seen as cropmarks on 2007 aerial photography (ST 7322 0731). The cropmarks reveal three possibly four building plots one of which (ST 7314 0727) appears to be approached, from the south east, by a wide trackway. One possible building (ST 7323 0722) may have remains visible on the surface. A small pond located on the south east boundary may relate to the settement. <1> <2>

<1> Royal Commission on Historical Monuments (England), 1970, An Inventory of Historical Monuments in the County of Dorset, Volume III (Central) Part 1, 148a (Monograph). SDO146.

'(6) CULTIVATION REMAINS. The open fields of Mappowder were finally enclosed in 1807 (Enclosure Award, D.C.R.O.) but the small area involved, only 365 acres, indicates that much enclosure had taken place earlier. Ridge-and-furrow of these fields is visible on air photographs (R.A.F. CPE/UK 1934:4180-1); it lies N. of Parsonage Farm (731073) and at least six rectangular butting and end-on furlongs, up to 300 yds. long, can be seen.'

<2> English Heritage, 06-JUN-2007, NMR ST 7307/02 NMR 24629/02 (Aerial Photograph). SDO17457.

<3> English Heritage, 06-JUN-2007, NMR ST 7307/06 NMR 24629/06 (Aerial Photograph). SDO17458.

Record last edited

Jan 4 2022 12:02PM