More information : Earthworks, consisting of banks and ditches, averaging 3m wide and 0.3m high, forming small rectangular and sub-rectangular platforms and enclosures are visible in area centred NZ 382 110 at Newsham House. The features are consistent with a depopulated village and are bounded on the north by rig and furrow ploughing. (1)
NZ 383113 The lost village of Newsham is listed by Beresford. (2)
Earthworks surveyed at 1:2500. (3)
NZ 383113 A documentary and field survey of the deserted Medieval village of Newsham was made in 1972 (see plans - authority 5). On each side of the central road was a linear arrangement of tofts and other enclosures, set back from the road, leaving a narrow green area. Eleven house sites were tentatively recorded the largest of these (site D) possibly representing the former chapel of St James (see NZ 31 SE 6). The village was possibly established in the 12th century although the first definite reference appears in an income of 1317. A F & P M Pallister, referring to the contents of the income, assumed that approximately 25 households had existed at that time. By the mid-14th century the village had reached its maximum development and thereafter gradually declined. A royal survey dated 1608 records that only the "old mansion house" and "three habitable houses" then remained.
NZ 382110. Newsham deserted medieval village. Scheduled. (4-7)
Minor changes only since previous report. Published survey (25") revised. (8)
Additional reference. (9)
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