More information : A Norman ring-work surrounded by a U-shaped ditch at The Rookery, Berden (TL 4658 2919) was excavated by G M Knocker in 1954 (see plan). Overall diameter to the outer edge of the ditch was about 180 ft, with the central area having a diameter of about 72ft. The ditch, orignally between 5 and 6 ft deep, was filled with some 2ft of wet silt. Finds consisted of a 12th century pot in the make-up of the bank, and a 13th century pot on the central hearth. A map of 1602 shows the earthwork, somewhat sketchily, as a rectangle (a). The earthwork has now been destroyed. (1-2)
A circular earthwork now destroyed leaving no trace. Details given by Authy 2 indicate that it was similar in size and shape to the earthwork "The Crump", 500.0m to the SE. (See TL 42 NE 6). The name "The Rookery" is no longer used locally. The tithe map of 1839 shows it as "Cumber Hills". Published survey (25") revised. (3) |