More information : [ TL 0477 8535 ] Earthworks [G.T.] (1)
A curious earthwork near Barnwell Brook, apparently the site of
an early castle. The entrenchments form two enclosures, and
consist of two ditches and one rampart, the ater of the brook
being caused to wash round the inner ditch and perhaps also
at one time the outer. (2)
These earthworks are situated at the bottom of a valley through
which runs a fast flowing stream; they are non-defensive in
character and appear to be a constructed landscape feature
complete with fish pond and duck decoy pond. Similar works are
not uncommon in the Midland counties, they are, in the main,
attributable to the 16c - 18th c., and this feature would
doubtless be utilised during one of the earlier phases of the
adjacent Barnwell Castle.
Published survey (25" undated ) revised. (3)
No change. (4)
RCHM suggests earthworks may have originated as a moat. Adjacent
copse 'Empty Spinney' may be Le Hympehaye of 1285 meaning 'an
enclosure made of saplings or shoots'. (5)
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