Monument record MWX1037 - Medieval settlement of Rishton, Christchurch

The medieval settlement of Rishton may be in the vicinity of St Catherine's Hill as this was previously known as Rishton Hill. The precise location is not known, but may be in the Hurn/Christchurch area.

The medieval village of Rishton is referred to in early charters of the Cartulary of Christchurch Priory (there spelt Richedon) and the chapel of St Katharine (SZ 19 NW 30) is referred to Rishton Hill. All documents suggest it is in the Hurn - Christchurch area. Pottery from a garden in St Catherine's Way at the foot of the hill (not located) identical with that found on the site of the chapel suggest that the village may be under the modern houses at the foot of the hill. <1>

No traces of a DMV were noted during field investigation in the St Catherine's Hill area. <2>

A Domesday settlement called 'Bostel', probably equivalent to Bosley Farm, was also located in the approximate position at which Rishton has been mapped. The medieval pottery referred to above may derive from this settlement. <3>

<1> 1968, Hampshire Field Club Newsletter, p86 (Article in serial). SWX3902.

<2> Phillips, A S, Various, Field Investigators Comments ASP, F1 ASP 31-MAR-69 (Unpublished document). SWX3817.

<3> 1912, The Victoria history of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight 5, 83-101 (Monograph). SWX3895.

<4> National Record of the Historic Environment, 458491 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

May 10 2023 11:28AM