| Summary : Enclosures, probably medieval, surviving as earthworks within the precinct of Haughmond Abbey. A complex of three enclosures survive above the escarpment at the north-east corner of the precinct. They are defined by low spread banks and in part by the precinct boundary, which is also an earthwork here. The bank defining the west side of the complex indicates that there may have been further enclosures to the south. The enclosures were probably small closes for livestock, although there are no gaps indicating access points. Alternatively, they may have been small cultivated fields. Only one structure is noted, but this is clearly later. The monastic date of the enclosures is suggested by their alignment with the other monastic elements, and it is also possible that they continued in use after the Dissolution. The bank that 'dog-legs' around the pond suggests, however, that this bank, and therefore the complex as a whole, could be later than the 12th century (the presumed date of the pond). |
More information : (SJ 543 152) Livestock enclosures.
Between January and December 2002, English Heritage carried out a detailed analytical field survey of the environs of the standing buildings of Haughmond Abbey (Event record 1384572) (1). The survey, which covered an area of 19ha, was intended to inform the site's management and to put into context the findings of the small-scale excavations carried out between 1975 and 1979.
For further details, see Archaeological Investigation Report AI/10/2003, which includes photographs, plans at various scales, interpretative diagrams and a full textual description and analysis. (1)
Scheduled. (2) |