Site of Monastic Grange (Scheduled Ancient Monument)

Reviews about Site of Monastic Grange (Scheduled Ancient Monument)

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  Ashby Rambler Review added: 2018.09.14

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  Grange Field, which is now pasture, is the site of Cold Ashby's official ‘ancient monument’ (though the parish has several other areas now designated 'Historic Environment Assets').
  The grange appears to have been quite large so would have been important to the economy of both the village and Pipewell Abbey to which it was ‘attached’.
  The extent of the Abbey Grange and its potential as a source of income can be assessed from the satellite image.
  Look for the hollow way to the North of the site which runs from Bridle Lane to the Naseby Road. The features between this and Main Street are clearly closes or paddocks and building platforms which could be what remains of living accommodation, also possibly a chapel and various barns. There is also a pond which still exists in the North East corner of Grange Field which may have supplied fish for Fridays.
  Unfortunately, Pipewell Abbey could not escape Cromwell’s attentions and, after very mixed fortunes during the previous century, eventually succumbed to dissolution on 5 November, 1538.
  An account roll of 1540 shows that all its estates had been leased.
  
  It seems that parts, if not all, of the Abbey Grange were owned by the Saunders family for several generations and by Mr. Wykes of Haslebech in 1720, who apparently held Court there from time to time.
  This clearly suggests that at least one domestic building remained in the 18th Century, an assertion made by Bridges (History of Northamptonshire 1791) who actually died in 1724, his work having been published 67 year’s posthumously (whereby hangs another tale!).
  Clearly, the relatively undisturbed remains and historical textual references make this monument important to research into Medieval farming and settlement - the main reason for its scheduled status.
  The public footpath which connects Bridle Lane and the Naseby Road passes diagonally through Grange Field.

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