(Centred NT 969 023) Banks and ditches. Deserted village site? (1)

In the pasture fields to the west and north west of the farm of Low Farnham are two areas showing traces of depopulation.
Centred NT 969 022. The area west of Low Farnham has the most strongly marked traces, with fragmentary banks enclosing small garths and at least three rectangular building steadings. On the north-west side of the area is a hollow containing a spring. This side also adjoins the south-east corner of an enclosure which is possibly the result of medieval enparking.
Centred NT 970 025. In the area north-west of Low Farnham the traces of depopulation are slighter, consisting of slight fragmentary banks in some cases forming part enclosures. Vague platforms and other surface irregularities possibly represent the sites of buildings.
The way in which the western area adjoins but does not encroach the possible mediaeval enparking bank, suggests that the two are of contemporary date.
The reason for depopulation was not ascertained. Local enquiries revealed no significant field names. (2)

The area to the west of Low Farnham, indicated by F1, is much disturbed, but due to stone robbing only one building steading can now be identified with any certainty. Recent deep-furrow ploughing and afforestation have completely obliterated all traces of depopulation in the other area cited. (3)

Farnham was a member of the barony of Alnwick, in 1336 there were four taxpayers recorded. By 1604 the name of the township had been corrupted to Farnham. In 1604 there were four freeholders and one customary tenant. High and Low Farnham lay about 500m apart at NT 967 026 and NT 971 023 respectively. The field between the two has extensive earthworks in the form of house platforms and banks. Ridge and furrow also occupies the enclosures beyond the settlement area. (4)