Monument record MDO4864 - Ridge and furrow north east of Oaks Farm, Sturminster Newton

<1> Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1899, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Field Club, 286 (Serial). SDO13.

‘(70) CULTIVATION REMAINS. The date of enclosure of the open fields in the parish is unknown. Remains of ridge-and-furrow can be seen on air photographs (R.A.F. CPE/UK 1974: 1162-3 and 3162-3) to the N., N.E., and E. of Sturminster, notably at 792143, 789153 and 798137. The remains lie within existing fields and have ridges 6 yds. to 8 yds. wide and headlands 8 yds. to 9 yds. wide. The shape of the existing fields, however, suggests that they are the result of enclosing the curved end-on furlongs of an open-field system.

Traces of ridge-and-furrow, perhaps representing the open fields of Bagber, can be seen on air photographs (R.A.F. CPE/UK 1974: 1165-6 and 3165-6); they lie N.E. of Oaks Farm (772144) and E. of Manor Farm (771155).

S.E. of Newton (782131), four butting furlongs up to 230 yds. long and with curving ridges 6 yds. to 8 yds. wide are probably the remains of the open fields of that settlement.

Traces of curving ridge-and-furrow can be seen on air photographs S.E. of Fiddleford Mill (802133); they represent the former open fields of Fiddleford (see also OKEFORD FITZPAINE (37)).’

Record last edited

Jan 9 2013 11:03AM