The site is first identified as Ring Dam on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map, but appears as Dam Ring in the Enclosure Award of 1796. The name 'dam' strongly suggests a fishpond complex. A documentary reference in a deed of 1335 may relate to the earthworks, and cites a covenant between Robert de Kyrketon 'of Roppesle' and Roger Rohaut, knight, the former claiming rights and liberties in Ropsley and Humby and a fishery called 'Mickledam and Littledam'. There is no evidence for a manor house or large establishment nearby to suggest this was part of a moat or formal garden. An earthwork ditch forms three sides of a rectangular area about 60m by 45m, two channels leading downhill to a stream alongside the road and merging into one below a bank crossing the channels at right angles. Features suggesting terracing can be seen to the north and south. {1}{2} The sub-rectangular fishpond originally took the form of a rectangular moat enclosing a central island. The eastern, southern and western arms of the moat still hold water. The northern arm, shown on 18th and 19th century maps, was infilled by 1843. Water was supplied at the north-western corner; two outlets are located on the eastern arm. The pond remained in use during the post-medieval period, known as the 'Washdyke'. In modern times water has been channelled to a sheep dip to the north-east. The sheep dip, all fences and the pump at the north side of the pond are excluded from the scheduling, although the ground beneath these features is included. A 2m boundary around the monument is considered essential for its support and preservation. {3}