Monument record MDO45457 - Medieval deer park, Witchampton

Historic documents mention a deer park at Witchampton in 1294 and, possibly in the Deans Leaze Farm area, in 1633. Field investigations have not identified it.

The existence of a deer park at Witchampton is mentioned in 1294, and a document of 1633 indicates that this park may have been in the area of Deans Leaze Farm. Investigations have so far failed to locate it. <1>

<1> Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1980, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1978, 35 (Serial). SDO78.

‘WITCHAMPTON (42). In 1294 the De Banco Roll records that ‘William de Brideport, John, son of the same William and Robert le Keu are attached to answer to John Mautravers for breaking his park at Wykhampton and taking game to the value of 40s. They come and deny it all’ (Fry, Vol. G.3, p.615, m. 82d.) Hutchins quotes a Decree of 1633 concerning rights of access to Chitred Walk, Cranborne Chase, saying that keepers of the walk ‘did use to walk the said ground called Deane’s Leaze, and over certain other grounds in Wich Hampton aforesaid, called Wich Hampton Park and Sley Yates …’ (III, p. 417-9). Deans Leaze Farm is less than a mile west of Witchampton church and this appears to be the most likely area for the park. Investigations have however failed to locate it; any further information or suggestions would be welcome.’

<1.1> Fry, E A, Fry typescript (Unpublished document). SDO19339.

<1.2> Shipp, W, and Hodson, J W (eds), 1863, The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset. 3rd edition. Volume 2, 417-9 (Monograph). SWX1269.

<2> National Record of the Historic Environment, 209315 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Jul 5 2024 7:48PM