Monument record MDO959 - Earnley Deer Park, Corscombe

A deer park first mentioned in 1380.

(Area centred ST 5303) The medieval deer park of Earnley is first mentioned in 1380 (a). It is presumed to be south of Benville Manor as indicated by various field names on the Tithe Roll and enclosing an area in excess of 150 acres. Field examination is inconclusive. Between `A' (ST 53200355) and `C' (ST 53520257) (see illus card) the field boundary is virtually unbroken with a bank 8-11' wide and 3-4' high. Between `D' (ST 53730259) and `E' (ST 54250307) the line possibly follows the parish boundary, which itself follows an ancient road. At `F' (ST 54330325) is the remains of an embankment. To the north of the park nothing has been found. <1-2> Two coombes are enclosed by the suggested line of the pale. While this area is a logical one for a park, the postulated perimeter is dubious. It follows a hedge line whose form is no different to that of other local hedge banks, an internal ditch is not present. Details from perambulation: 1. The west side ('A' - 'B' on O.S. card). This stretch consists of bank and external ditch (to the west) with an overall width of 3m. The bank is 1.7m wide and 0.7m high on its west side. The ditch which varies in width here between 1.3m - 2m is generally less than 0.5m deep. 2. The south side ('B' - 'C') consists of a hedged bank on average 3.5m wide and 1m high. Its course has been damaged by modern cultivation, on its south side. 3. The east side, (i) 'D' - 'E'; where best preserved, the hedged bank is up to 4m wide and 1.3m high. (ii) 'E' - 'F'; A hedged bank extends beyond 'E' and where it terminates a low grassy bank continues its line to the south east of Knapp Farm. This final earthwork is a former field boundary and is presumably the feature at 'F' described as an embankment. <3>

Record last edited

Nov 17 2022 4:19PM