More information : (SP 569508) Fishponds (LB) (1)
SP 569507 Four ponds each about 3 ha in area, in two pairs 200m
apart. Formed by simple dams across the valley.Lowest pond seems to
have been larger when ridge and furrow to E was formed, which seem to
respect the pond edge, suggesting a pre 16th century date. Early
maps show this pond in a more rectangular form reminscent of 17th
century ornamental lakes. A building below the lake was called a
mill on this map. (2)
This site was formerly recorded under SP 55 SE 1. (3)
In December 1992, RCHME's Cambridge office carried out an analytical
earthwork survey of two of the ponds, following a request from the
National Trust. (4)
The four ponds lie in a shallow valley west of Canons Ashby House and
are probably those documented in the mid 12th century foundation
charter for the priory (4a). Each pond covers roughly 3ha and was
formed by the construction of a simple earthen dam. The southern
most pond has a larger dam with a dressed stone revetment, possibly
18th or 19th century. The ponds form two pairs, separated by 200m of
woodland. The two lower ponds still hold water and were re-used as
ornamental features by the Dryden family. A mill associated with the
priory may have stood at the head of the lowest pond, on the Eydon
road; a mill was recorded here in the 19th century.(2)
Aerial photographs show that the edge of the lower pond truncates
ridge-and-furrow cultivation associated with Canon's Ashby DMV (SP 55
SE 1) suggesting that the current edge is a later enlargement. The
upper ponds are now completely silted, surviving as marshy areas with
some tree cover.
For further details, see RCHME Level 3 client report and plan at
1:2500 scale, held in archive. (4) |