Find Spot record MDO4257 - CULTIVATION REMAINS

'MEDIAEVAL AND LATER EARTHWORKS
(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.
Ridge-and-furrow within existing fields, up to 200 yds. Long with ridges 7 yds. To 8 yds. Wide and headlands 8 yds. Wide, remain S. and S.E. of Mappowder Court (738056) and (740056); these are almost certainly some of the 74 acres, divided into 16 closes, which belong to the Priory of Wilkswood in 1512 (Hutchins III, 729). Similar ridge-and-furrow can be seen on air photographs (R.A.F. CPE/UK 1974: 1184-5) around Old Boywood Farm (731087) and (734092)'. (1)

<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.

Record last edited

Feb 27 2012 5:07AM