Monument record MDO5393 - Deer park, Alderholt

Alderholt, a Medieval deer park first mentioned in 1315 when it was held by the Earl of Gloucester and Hertford from the king, was estimated to contain 154 acres. During the reign of Henry V111 it was disparked and the deer all destroyed according to Hutchins. Whether it was actually disparked seems to be in some dispute because an entry in a Certificate of the Parks of Dorset in 1583 refers to the absence of any deer in Alderholt Park. The remains of the park boundary are clearly visible in places, the southern boundary being almost intact.

(Centred SU112313). Alderholt, a Medieval deer park first mentioned in 1315 when it was held by the Earl of Gloucester and Hertford from the king, was estimated to contain 154 acres. During the reign of Henry V111 it was disparked and the deer all destroyed according to Hutchins. Whether it was actually disparked seems to be in some dispute because an entry in a Certificate of the Parks of Dorset in 1583 refers to the absence of any deer in Alderholt Park. The remains of the park boundary are clearly visible in places, the southern boundary being almost intact. From A-E (see illustration) there is a bank varying from the 14ft wide and 5ft high to 21ft wide and 4ft high except where obliterated between B-C. Between C-D there is a ditch on the north side. Between I-J there is a bank 17-22ft wide 1-2ft high with a ditch on the south side. From M-N there is an impressive bank 18ft wide and 3-4ft high with a ditch on the east side. Between A-K there are two short lengths of bank on either side of the church and from K-L clear signs of a ditch on the east side. The assumed boundaries of the park would enclose about 230 acres. <1>

Record last edited

Mar 4 2022 11:58AM