Monument record MLI97529 - West Common, Lincoln
Summary
West Common was recognised as common land in the Enclosure Award of 1803, although it had been common land long before that. It has been used for agriculture, quarrying, leisure and military activities.
Type and Period (2)
- COMMON LAND (Medieval to Modern - 1066 AD? to 2050 AD)
- RIDGE AND FURROW (Post Medieval - 1700 AD to 1799 AD)
Protected Status/Designation
Full Description
PRN 71061
West Common was formally identified in the Enclosure Act of 1803, however it had likely been common land for a long time prior to that. Like many commons, land on West Common appears to have been used for a variety of purposes as well as providing pasture. Remains of narrow ridge and furrow cultivation of probable Napoleonic date are visible on areas of the common, indicating some arable use. Numerous quarrying earthworks are also visible, indicating small-scale quarrying at various times. The common has also been used for leisure activities including horse racing (see PRN 71060 and PRN 70953), cricket, football and golf. In 1907 the Royal Agricultural Show was held there, and other events such as fairs and gatherings may also have taken place. During the First World War it became an airfield (see PRN 71059) and in the Second World War anti-aircraft defences were constructed there (see PRN 70483). A hospital, swimming baths and brickworks are amongst the structures which have been built (although they are no longer present) on former areas of the common. {1}{2}{3}{5}
Sources/Archives (5)
- <1> SLI12843 Bibliographic Reference: Bowden, Mark; Brown, Graham; and Smith, Nicky. 2009. An Archaeology of Town Commons in England: 'A very fair field indeed'. -.
- <2> SLI12844 Bibliographic Reference: Walker, Andrew. 2008. Lincoln's West End: A History. -.
- <3> SLI9142 Bibliographic Reference: Jones, Michael, J; Stocker, D.; and Vince, A.. 2003. The City by the Pool including LARA. RAZ ID 11.15.1.
- <4> SLI181 Aerial Photograph: COLE, C.. 1993-2002. InnerVisions Business Presentations. 246/0798/16.
- <5> SLI12890 Report: English Heritage. 2003. Lincoln West Common: Survey Report. -.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred SK 9605 7211 (1806m by 1083m) |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | CARHOLME, LINCOLN, LINCOLNSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (4)
- Related to: Racecourse Grandstand at West Common, Lincoln (Building) (MLI94021)
- Related to: Second World War anti-aircraft defences on West Common, Lincoln (Monument) (MLI88827)
- Related to: Site of Lincoln racecourse, West Common, Lincoln (Monument) (MLI97527)
- Related to: Site of no. 4 Aeroplane Acceptance Park, West Common, Lincoln (Monument) (MLI97526)
Related Events/Activities (1)
Please contact the HER for details.
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Mar 21 2021 8:35PM
Feedback?
Your feedback is welcome. If you can provide any new information about this record, please contact us.