Heckley deserted medieval village (Denwick)
Heckley or Hincliff, on high ground two miles north of Alnwick was in 1147 a vill or township with at least ten free owners of houses and lands, and with the moor or common. One house of the vill remains, but foundations of others are traceable along the hillside. The name in 1260 and 1290 was Heccliffe, in 1539 Hekeley, and in 1646 Heckley. (1)
Centred NU 148160. The only portion of ground showing traces of depopulation is a small area situated on the brow of a hill. It is disturbed ground broken into indefinable plots with banks of earth and stone 0.3m - 1.2m in height. A few rectangular plots are visible. (A) NU18461590 and (B) NU18461588. Situated at the foot of the hill are two fish ponds well defined measuring c.45m each, 10m wide and 2m deep, with some stones visible in their banks. (2)
The fragmentary remains are consistent with a deserted hamlet. Surveyed at 1:2500, together with the fish ponds. (3)
Heckley deserted medieval village. Documentary references: 1147, 1539, 1649, 1743, 1769. The site of the medieval grange and original settlement is unknown. 19th century farm - earthwork remains at NU 184160. Broad ridge and furrow. So-called fishponds more likely modern features. Heckley Grange may be the more likely site of medieval occupation; no definite features identified. (4)
Aerial photographs show earthwork remains of a deserted medieval village, including fishponds and fields. (5)
Additional Reference (6)
Centred NU 148160. The only portion of ground showing traces of depopulation is a small area situated on the brow of a hill. It is disturbed ground broken into indefinable plots with banks of earth and stone 0.3m - 1.2m in height. A few rectangular plots are visible. (A) NU18461590 and (B) NU18461588. Situated at the foot of the hill are two fish ponds well defined measuring c.45m each, 10m wide and 2m deep, with some stones visible in their banks. (2)
The fragmentary remains are consistent with a deserted hamlet. Surveyed at 1:2500, together with the fish ponds. (3)
Heckley deserted medieval village. Documentary references: 1147, 1539, 1649, 1743, 1769. The site of the medieval grange and original settlement is unknown. 19th century farm - earthwork remains at NU 184160. Broad ridge and furrow. So-called fishponds more likely modern features. Heckley Grange may be the more likely site of medieval occupation; no definite features identified. (4)
Aerial photographs show earthwork remains of a deserted medieval village, including fishponds and fields. (5)
Additional Reference (6)
N4430
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1955; J H Ostridge
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1970; B H Pritchard
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1970; B H Pritchard
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