Monument record MBC47797 - POST-MEDIEVAL WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM OR WATERMEADOW, RIVER THAME

An extensive system of post medieval water drainage is visible on historic aerial photographs and remote sensing data as earthworks and was mapped as part of the Aylesbury Vale Aerial Investigation and Mapping project (EBC18604). Located along meadows to the N and S of the River Thame and centred at SP 86093 16739, the interconnected system of linear ditches extend E for about 880 metres from the moated site at Manor Farm in Hulcott, forming a series of large rectilinear enclosures. For about 540 metres the features run along the S bank of the River Thame, whereupon at the E end, the system of ditches cross the river bank and then extend along both N and S banks for a further 340 metres. It may be that this drain complex was a managed bedworks watermeadow from the 17th to 19th centuries, though details of the floats, beds and panes are not visible on the available aerial photography. Centred at SP 86154 16755 is a circular mound about 13 metres in diameter, of uncertain date and function. On aerial photographs taken in 2023 and recent remote sensing data, most of the earthworks remain visible, though at the very E end, some of the ditches have been plough levelled (1-4).