Monument record MLI87596 - Medieval settlement of Burg

Summary

Medieval settlement of Burg was probably in existence by the middle Saxon period, and was documented until 1239, when it is thought to have become part of Kirkby.

Type and Period (1)

  • (Early Medieval/Dark Age to Medieval - 1000 AD? to 1250 AD?)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Full Description

63684 The settlement of Burgh is documented in the Domesday Book, and it is thought that it was close to Kirkby (PRN 63683), and it is even suggested that Burgh is substantially represented by the present Kirkby. Burgh can be traced in documents until 1239, after which Kirkby appears to displace Burgh in later medieval documents. It is thought that Kirkby, Laythorpe and Burgh were part of the same estate in a pattern common throughout Ashwardhurn wapentake, and that the separate settlements were elements with defined functions. The name 'burh' derives from the Old English for 'defence', and it is possible that Burgh was the defended settlement of the estate. These elements seemed to be a loose agglomeration which eventually were joined into the single settlement of Kirkby La Thorpe. Its location is not entirely certain, but it is thought that the second church recorded in Kirkby, dedicated to St Peter, could be the eleventh century church of Burgh, which survived until 1539 (PRN 63685). It seems likely, then, that the settlement of Burgh was located close by. {1}{2} There are earthworks in this area which may be the remains of the medieval settlement of Burgh. {3} Within the field in the fork of Evedon Road and Ewerby Road there are surviving ridge and furrow earthworks and some other distinct earthworks. These remains may relate to part of the former medieval village focus around the former church of St Peter. {4} Late Saxon and early medieval remains were recorded during an evaluation on land north of Ewerby Road. Early features comprised ditches, pits and a possible post-hole. A substantial ditch is visible as an earthwork, and appears to delineate a house platform, and was surveyed as part of the evaluation. The surrounding ridge and furrow (which is well preserved in the eastern part of the plot, and in the field to the north) appears to respect the earthwork. Undated features earlier than the ridge and furrow are possibly contemporary with the late Saxon remains. There was no clearly structural evidence identified during the evaluation, and the finds assemblage does not suggest nearby intensive occupation. A little post-medieval material (C16-C17th Bourne ware) was recovered, which may be residual. {5}{6} During a watching brief, medieval features were recorded. An undated probable ditch aligned north-west/south-east, and an undated furrow aligned north-east/south-west, are thought to relate to the medieval earthworks at this site. Two rectangular pits containing 10th-12th and 13th-14th century pottery were of unknown function, and may be northern extensions of ditches found during a previous evaluation on site. A north/south aligned ditch was thought to be a boundary.{7}{8}

Sources/Archives (8)

  •  Bibliographic Reference: C.W. Foster and T. Longley. 1924. Lincolnshire Domesday and Lindsey Survey. li-ii, lxxiv; 67/3,5,6; 68/26.
  •  Unpublished Document: Roffe, D.. 2000. The lost settlement of Burg refound?. -.
  •  Map: Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England. 1992-1996. National Mapping Programme. TF0946:LI.852.2.1-2.
  •  Archive: Archaeological Project Services. Oct 2000. Development at Ewerby Road,Kirkby la Thorpe. LCNCC 2000.15.
  •  Report: Archaeological Project Services. Oct 2000. Development at Ewerby Road, Kirkby la Thorpe. KER00.
  •  Archive: Archaeological Project Services. 2000. Land north of Ewerby Road, Kirkby la Thorpe. LCNCC 15.2000.
  •  Report: Archaeological Project Services. 2000. Land north of Ewerby Road, Kirkby la Thorpe. KER00.
  •  Verbal Communication: W.M.. 1999. 20/12/1999.

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Location

Grid reference Centred TF 0982 4630 (534m by 534m)
Civil Parish EWERBY AND EVEDON, NORTH KESTEVEN, LINCOLNSHIRE
Civil Parish KIRKBY LA THORPE, NORTH KESTEVEN, LINCOLNSHIRE

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Record last edited

Mar 21 2021 8:35PM

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