Monument record MDO4764 - Medieval field system, Stoke Wake

An area of parallel strips visible as earthworks, the remains of the medieval open field system of the parish. Historic documents suggest that a three-field system was in operation here in the early 14th century. The date of enclosure of the fields is not known. An extensive system of medieval strip fields was digitally recorded from aerial photographs and lidar imagery during the Mid Dorset Downs AIM project.

A three-field system appears to have been in existence at Stoke Wake in the early 14th century, but the date of enclosure is unknown. On the south west slope of Bulbarrow Hill at ST 760059 are the remains of at least 26 flat strips, lying across the contours; they are up to 300 yds. long, 17 yds - 50 yds wide and are bounded by low banks. Immediately east at ST 764058 are two fragmentary strip lynchets. <1>

An extensive system of medieval strip fields was digitally recorded from aerial photographs and lidar imagery during the Mid Dorset Downs AIM project. (RAF 1945, EA 2023)

<1> Royal Commission on Historic Monuments, 1970, An Inventory of Historical Monuments in the County of Dorset, Volume III (Central) Part 2, 259 (Monograph). SDO136.

'(5) Cultivation remains. A three-field system appears to have been in existence in the early 14th century (P.R.O., Assize Roll No. 1349/m. 4d) but the date of enclosure is unknown. About 6oo yds. S.W. of (I), on the S.W. slope of Bulbarrow Hill (760059), there are remains of at least 26 flat strips, lying across the contours; they are up to 300 yds. Long, 17 yds. To 50 yds. Wide and are bounded by low banks. Immediately to the E. (764058) are two fragmentary contour strip lynchets'.

<2> Historic England, National Record of the Historic Environment, 201781 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

<3> Environment Agency, 15-DEC-2023, LIDAR Environment Agency DTM (Aerial Photograph). SDO20691.

<4> Royal Air Force, 27-MAR-1945, RAF/106G/LA200 FP 1084 (Aerial Photograph). SDO21692.

Record last edited

Feb 19 2026 9:06PM