More information : TF 230849, Biscanthorpe deserted medieval village,
listed by Beresford. (1)
Earthworks visible on RAF air photograph. (2)
The surviving earthworks of Biscathorpe deserted medieval
village with associated enclosures and strip fields lie under
permanent pasture, centred TF 228849 at the base of an E-W
valley, alongside a stream and modern road. About six house
sites with crofts are visible at the edge of the flood plain.
They average about 11.0m long by 6.0m wide, with traces of
rubble walling visible in places, and are connected by paths and
field ways to the surrounding enclosures (average height of
banks 1.0m).
St Helen's Church was rebuilt in 1810 and Biscathorpe House is
probably of the same period.
Surveyed at 1:2500. (3)
The earthworks of the Medieval settlement of Biscathorpe, recorded
by Authorities 1-3, were mapped from poor quality air photographs.
The following features were identified, lying to either side of the
River Bain:
A system of four bank defined crofts, 30m by 20m, on the north side
of the river at TF 2282 8496, and possibly a further two to the
south at TF 2280 8487. A continuous bank-defined field system, the
units have average dimensions of 100m by 50-60m, lies behind the
crofts to the north. A hollow way at TF 2288 8503 runs N-S between
the fields.
To the south of the church and on the west side of the river, at
TF 2308 8479, are two broad ditches running in parallel; these may
in part be a former natural watercourse, but their central section
has an artificial appearance. The function of these features is
uncertain, they may be ponds or some form of water management.
There are extensive areas of ridge and furrow to the south and east
of the settlement.
(Morph No. LI.219.2.1-10)
This description is based on data from the RCHME MORPH2 database.
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