Monument record MDO4621 - Abbey fishponds south of Layton Lane, Shaftesbury

Remains of fishponds belonging to the nunnery. Mentioned in records from 16th century.

(ST 86412266) Abbey Ponds (NR). <2> There was an outer park of the Abbey, in which the remains of fishponds are still visible. Described as 'Abbey Ponds' and depicted as shown on OS 25".) <1> 'A' - ST 86402266. 'B' - ST 86432266. 'C' - ST 86442268. Three rectangular ponds orientated NNE-SSW on land which falls gently to the west. A- has average measurements of 38.0 x 24.0m. X 0.8m. Deep and is separated from B by a north-south bank 5.0m. Wide. B - has average measurements of 30.0 x 18.0m x 0.5m. Deep and is to the east of A. C - is to the north of B and is separated from it by a bank 7.0m. Wide. It has average measurements of 19.0 x 16.0m. X 0.3m. Deep. There is an artificially levelled strip of ground 7.0m. Wide to the east of B and C. In the field to the north there are vague and unsurveyable traces of further depressions which were possibly ponds. The field is under rough pasture. The ponds were dry and grass covered when investigated and no trace was found of a stream or water course by which the ponds were presumably fed. <4> ST 864226. Abbey Ponds, now dry, are the remains of fishponds belonging to the nunnery which were in use in the mid 16th century (a). The earthworks comprise two depressions, roughly rectangular and 2 to 3 1/2ft deep lying side by side; immediately north of the east depression and joined to it by a narrow channel is a third depression, smaller and roughly square. Plan. <5> ST 864226. Two rectangular fishponds south of Layton Lane Scheduled. The banks survive in good condition and are under grass. Visited 25.4.77. <6>

Record last edited

Jun 27 2023 2:55PM