More information : (SU 38770273) Winepress [NR] (1)
The Winepress, Beaulieu Manor Estate. Excavations in 1987 revealed it to be a fulling mill with features including deep stone-built tanks and arched drains. The finds suggest an operational date of c. 1500 continuing into the early 18th century. Grade II*. A late 13th c ruin 5m north of the winepress was also shown to be part of the Winepress and is listed grade II. Both fall within the scheduled area of Beaulieu Abbey. (1-5)
Ruined building. Excavations by Hampshire County Museum Service took place here from 1987-1989. The building is `L' shaped, comprising two parts - a large W range and smaller N wing, divided from each other by a modern road. Excavations revealed that the N wing had thick walls and deep foundations, was crossed by a E-W drain and ditch and had a number of processing tanks. The suggestion is that the buildings was used as a fulling mill, as referred to in the Abbey and estate accounts from 1272-1722.
The gable ends of the E-W range arew still standing, with some first floor lancet windows.
A large earthwork bank 6.5m wide x 1.80m high, appears to be incorporated within the ruined wall of the N wing and runs NNW for some 65m. It has been suggested that this is a ruined aqueduct or conduit, delivering water to the site, although there is no archaeological evidence to substantiate this claim.
A similarly proportioned bank, runs to the NE of the N wing for some 95m (towards the section of standing Abbey precinct wall (SU 30 SE 56 b) at SU 38980286.
A number of very indistinct earthworks are visible immediately to S of the W range. They may possibly be platforms. (6)
|