Rectilinear enclosure, possibly part of Fenton shrunken village (Doddington)
Aerial photographic evidence indicates rectangular ditched enclosure adjacent to ploughed out ridge and furrow. (1)
Fenton was a member of the barony of Muschamp (Wooler). Fenton parish amalgamated with Wooler in 14th century. 1296: nine taxpayers. Tower listed in 1415. 1580: eleven tenants liable for Border Service in Fenton and Nesbit. In 18th century described as a village of 12 houses with the remains of a tower.
The earthworks at NT 969336 can mainly be accounted for by the early 19th century farmhouse. (2)
[NT 9691 3349] Three sides of what appears to be a rectilinear ditched enclosure are visible on air photographs. So far as can be judged the enclosure measures up to 50m NW-SE by c 30m SE-NW. On the E side the enclosure abuts onto what could be either a hollow way or an old watercourse. To the W are traces of (broad?) ridge and furrow ploughing which run up to the enclosure and may indeed continue beyond its perimeter. The relationship between the enclosure and the rig is unclear. The form of the enclosure is not consistent with a prehistoric or Roman date and it seems more likely that it belongs in the mediaeval or post-mediaeval period. (3a)
Aerial photograph references. (3b-3d)
The site has been mapped from the air as part of the Milfield Geoarchaeology Project. (See archive object MD000296). (3)
Fenton was a member of the barony of Muschamp (Wooler). Fenton parish amalgamated with Wooler in 14th century. 1296: nine taxpayers. Tower listed in 1415. 1580: eleven tenants liable for Border Service in Fenton and Nesbit. In 18th century described as a village of 12 houses with the remains of a tower.
The earthworks at NT 969336 can mainly be accounted for by the early 19th century farmhouse. (2)
[NT 9691 3349] Three sides of what appears to be a rectilinear ditched enclosure are visible on air photographs. So far as can be judged the enclosure measures up to 50m NW-SE by c 30m SE-NW. On the E side the enclosure abuts onto what could be either a hollow way or an old watercourse. To the W are traces of (broad?) ridge and furrow ploughing which run up to the enclosure and may indeed continue beyond its perimeter. The relationship between the enclosure and the rig is unclear. The form of the enclosure is not consistent with a prehistoric or Roman date and it seems more likely that it belongs in the mediaeval or post-mediaeval period. (3a)
Aerial photograph references. (3b-3d)
The site has been mapped from the air as part of the Milfield Geoarchaeology Project. (See archive object MD000296). (3)
N2160
MEASURED SURVEY, Milfield Geoarchaeology Project ; Archaeological Research Services
Disclaimer -
Please note that this information has been compiled from a number of different sources. Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council can accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy contained therein. If you wish to use/copy any of the images, please ensure that you read the Copyright information provided.