Monument record 0034004000 - DENHAM LODGE

SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT. WELL-MARKED HOUSE PLATFORMS & SUNKEN ROADS TO W OF DENHAM LODGE, & TO N AN EXTENSIVE PART OF THE SITE RIGHT UP THE HILLSIDE (MONUMENT DESCRIPTION AM7, SAM FILE). EXTENT OF FORMER SETTLEMENT DEFINED FROM APS (B8).
C19 SOURCE SAYS HAMLET OR MANOR NOW DIVIDED INTO 4 FARMS (B2).

The earthwork remains of a medieval deserted settlement is visible on historic aerial photographs and remote sensing data and was mapped as part of the Aylesbury Vale Aerial Investigation and Mapping project (EBC18604). Located in fields W and N of Denham Lodge and centred at SP 75424 20739, the earthworks comprise an interconnected system of ditches that extend over an area about 460 metres SSW-NNE and 245 metres WNW-ESE. These form boundaries and/or trackways, defining at least 12 contiguous irregularly shaped and variously sized enclosures. A possible rectangular pond about 54 x 70 metres is centred at SP 75487 20664. Within the ditched enclosures are at least six small blocks of ridge and furrow cultivation earthworks. To the SW of the moat there is a cluster of eight rectilinear platforms, bounded by an interconnected ditch system that may have been property boundaries (B15-17).



(SP 75382054) Moat (NR) (B18).
Denham deserted medieval village, enclosed circa 1450-1700. Only confused earthworks remain and the moat and fishpond at Denham Lodge which was built circa 1620, on the site of the manor house of Dundon or Dundon Court. A 17/18th century brick wall surrounds the fields north and east of the lodge, this formerly enclosed a deer park (B4, B10, B12, B19, B20, B21)
Denham Lodge (name verified), formerly in disrepair, is being restored and extended, but is not outstanding. (A gatehouse to the south of the house is contemporary). There is no trae and no local knowledge of an earlier structure. The sub-rectangular, water-filled moat around the house is complete, measuring overall about 80.0m north-south by about 70.0m east-west with arms average width. The bridge across the south arm, and the internal revettment to the moat are contemporary to the house. The earthworks to the east of Denham Lodge at SP 752205 do not appear to be fishponds. This pattern of banks and depressions suggests small fields or possibly gardens associated with the house. There was undoubtedly a medieval settlement, small in area, at SP 754208, where there are a number of artificial escarpments on
a southwest slope, bounded by rig-and-furrow, but they form no recognisable pattern. Most of the depressions visible on St Joseph Aps are spring overflows.
The 17/18th century brick wall around the former deer park is extant for the whole periphery, though it is crumbling in places. Published survey (25") of moat correct. Extent of deer park delineated on OS 6" (B22).
No change since report of 19.7.73 AM survey correct (B23).
NRHE update 2004 (B24).

This record includes National Record of the Historic Environment Information provided by Historic England on 4 June 2025 licensed under the Open Government Licence.