More information : Under 'Knaptoft', Nichols (1) gives an account of earthworks previously described in two letters to the
Gentleman's Magazine,(2) quoted verbatim, with supplementary
information from a correspondent of Nichols.
The earthworks were first noticed by David Wells, 'in a close
belonging to Mr. John Wyatt of Shearsby', they were conspicuous
from the adjacent turnpike road. Wells made a rough sketch-plan
(see AO/60/137/I). The owner knew nothing of the earthworks
except that, some years previously, in digging a pit, a
large uninscribed, flat, stone was found with several others
of 'rude form'. The stones with 'other particulars' (not
described by Wells) suggested that they were from the cist or
tumulus of a Roman 'warrior'. A later account, by 'Mr.Potts,
chaplain to Mr. Turvile of Husbands Bosworth', was based on a
criticism of Wells' plan but with some additional detail in
reference to the plan. Nichols' correspondent, Mr. Arnold,
furnished a better plan (see AO/60/137/6) and stated that the
earthworks were not Roman.
Potts makes the claim that the land on which the earthworks fall
anciently belonged to the Knights Hospitallers; the manorial
history of Knaptoft given by Nichols contains no mention of the
Hospitallers but, under Shearsby, then included in the parish
of Knaptoft, a caracute of land given to the order is mentioned
in 1296. (1-2)
SP 63458710 The remains of the earthworks previously noted
were identified during field perambulations from the descriptions
and plans provided. The main 'A' road adjacent to the west of the
site is still known locally as the 'Welford Turnpike'. Although
not now falling in Knaptoft parish it is probable that prior to
the destruction of the mother church [SP 68 NW 18] the parish was
larger and included the field in which the works fall.
The present identifiable features comprise the remains of a
homestead moat, stretches of an outer enclosure - more perfect
on the east, and a former embayed pond, now dry. A pond in
the north-east corner of the moat is fed by a perpetual spring
and has recently been re-dug, and/or cleared. Adjacent spoil
heaps revealed tile, slate and a fragment of mediaeval ware.
A depression at SP 63438714 is probably the 'pit' of authority 2.
No stones that could be associated with a possible cist were
noted. No structural remains were identifiable on the moat
island, nor could the raised mount of Wells' plan (AO/60/137/1) be
identified.
Surveyed 22nd August 1960. (3)
The site is under permanent pasture. No change. (4)
SP 6347 8712. Pinslade moated grange, Mowsley.
The site comprises a moated site within a triangular enclosure and a fishpond on the south-eastern side.
The maximum dimensions of the triangular enclosure are 235m north-south and 200m east-west. The east and west arms of the enclosure measure 250m coming to a point at the north. The enclosure is defined by a ditch, the western arm of which survives to a depth of 0.5m, and the southern arm is defined by a west-east flowing stream. The eastern arm consists of a ditch 8-10m wide and 1.5m deep. At the southern end of the eastern ditch is a rectangular dry fishpond between 1-1.5m deep and measuring 25 x 40m.
The moated site within the enclosure measures 60 x 60m, the ditch enclosing a square island. At the north-west corner of the moat the ditch is 14m wide and 2m deep, although the eastern arm is only 10m wide and 1m deep with traces of an outer bank. The southern arm is almost completely silted up.
Pinslade Grange was given to Leicester Abbey in the 12th century but ceased to be part of the Abbey's demense in 1254. Evidence of ridge and furrow within the enclosure suggests that it was abandoned at this date and the western arm was modified due to this activity. Scheduled (RSM) No 17055. (5)
Leicester Abbey may have kept an interest in Pinslade Grange long after 1254. Sometime between 1496 and 1502 Abbot Penny enclosed the lands of the grange which led to 20 years of litigation. 23 acres on the southern side of the brook in Husbands Bosworth parish were enclosed by the abbot which led to a petition to the Court of Requests in 1529. A large amount of demesne was held by the abbey in Mowsley parish, including a windmill in the 14th century. Mowsley was a chapelry within the ecclesiastical parish of Knaptoft. (6) |