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Monument details

HER Number:MWX43411
Type of record:Monument
Name:Hay stack stances, WNW of Little Downs Bridge, near Sandwich

Summary

Two shallow circular earthworks, interpreted as hay stack stances of medieval or post-medieval date, are visible on 1940s aerial photographs. Examination of recent aerial photographs suggests that they have been plough-levelled.


Grid Reference:TR 35387 57028
Map Sheet:TR35NE
Parish:WORTH, DOVER, KENT

Monument Types

  • STACK STAND (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1066 AD to 1900 AD)

Full description

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Two shallow circular earthworks are visible on 1940s RAF vertical aerial photographs [1].

The south-westernmost mound measures c.7m in diameter whilst the north-easternmost one measures c.6m in diameter. They are interpreted as a hay stack stances, mounds for the drying and storage of hay in the damp environment of a riverside meadow.Examination of recent aerial photographs suggests that they have been plough-levelled [2]. Similar features have been recorded across the floor of the Stour Valley between Upstreet and the coast, see Related Monuments. They appear to represent an integral part of the medieval or post-medieval farming landscape in this area.

A transcription of the features recorded from aerial photography exists within a GIS layer held by this HER [3].


<2> Next Perspectives consortium via English Heritage, 2003, 2007, Next Perspective PGA georeferenced aerial photograph data, Next Perspectives PGA Tile Ref: PGA_TR3557_2003-08-14 (Graphic material). SWX15711.

<3> Wessex Archaeology, 2009-10, South-East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey - Aerial Photographic Transcriptions (Digital archive). SWX15705.

<3> Wessex Archaeology, 2011, South East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey - (SE RCZAS) Phase 1: National Mapping Programme Report (Unpublished document). SKE25955.

<3> Cornwall Council Historic Environment Projects and Gloucestershire County Council, 2011, South East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey National Mapping Programme Components 1&2: Results of NMP Mapping (Unpublished document). SKE25954.

Sources and further reading

Cross-ref. Source description
<2>Graphic material: Next Perspectives consortium via English Heritage. 2003, 2007. Next Perspective PGA georeferenced aerial photograph data. Next Perspectives PGA Tile Ref: PGA_TR3557_2003-08-14.
<3>Unpublished document: Cornwall Council Historic Environment Projects and Gloucestershire County Council. 2011. South East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey National Mapping Programme Components 1&2: Results of NMP Mapping.
<3>Unpublished document: Wessex Archaeology. 2011. South East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey - (SE RCZAS) Phase 1: National Mapping Programme Report.
<3>Digital archive: Wessex Archaeology. 2009-10. South-East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey - Aerial Photographic Transcriptions.

Related records

MWX43408Parent of: Hay stack stances, Great Stonar (Monument)
MWX43409Parent of: Hay stack stances, lying between the Monk's Wall and River Stour (Monument)
MWX43410Parent of: Hay stack stances, South Polders, near Sandwich (Monument)