Monument record MWX3127 - Middlebere: Salt Pits

Shown on Treswell's Map of 1586. Salt production at Middlebere is recorded in two inquisitions of 1375 and 1377 when two salterns are mentioned.

Medieval Salt Pits, north-east of Middlebere Farm. They are shown on Treswell's Map of 1586, although salt production at Middlebere is recorded in two inquisitions of 1375 and 1377 when two salterns are mentioned. (1)

<1> Papworth, M, 1992, Middlebere, Corfe Castle Estate, Dorset. Wessex Region, 22 (Unpublished document). SWX1394.

Salt pits are shown on Ralph Treswell’s map of 1586 (see fig 16) There are two irregular pits shown, east of a line of trees and close to the shore approximately 100m NE of Middlebere Farm. The production of salt is recorded in Middlebere as in two inquisitions of 1375 and 1377 when two salterns were mentioned (Hutchins 1863 p636). In the 1586 survey by Ralph Treswell it is recorded that Middlebere owes 2 quarters of salt, by ancient custom, due to the castle of Corfe per annum. The process of medieval salt production is poorly understood in Dorset (Keen 1987 p.28) and this depiction of salt pits on Treswell’s map is a rare survival. There were no clear signs of earthworks or salt pits in the vicinity although there was some irregularity to the low coastal cliff at this point (see also aerial photograph RAF CPE/UK/1821 6395) Visited 17/7/1992

Record last edited

Jan 31 2019 11:11AM