More information : The Medieval village at Burghley, deserted between circa 1350 and 1450, has not yet been sited but may be under Burghley House (TF 049061). Documentary sources (authorities 2 & 3) seem to indicate a manor and tenants here, rather than a village; Domesday mentions three servants, seven villeins and a cottager, (authority 6). Dugdale (authority 4) mentions a chapel at Burghley, extant in 1289 (see also TF 00 NW 38). Nothing visible around Burghley House on available air photographs but there is a disturbed area at TF 035059 surrounded on the north east and south by ridge and furrow. (1-6) Nothing was seen on the ground at TF 035059 to justify an interpretation of desertion. The supposition that the village now lies under Burghley House would seem to be as likely as any. (7)
An examination of all available air photographs revealed no evidence of the Medieval village refered to by the previous authorities. (8) |