Perching field system, Fulking Escarpment

Record ID:  121308 / MNA127761
Record type:  Monument
Protected Status: Scheduled Monument
NT Property:  Fulking Escarpment; London and South East
Civil Parish:  Fulking; Mid Sussex; West Sussex
Grid Reference:  TQ 2465 1047
Choose map:
Choose labels:

Summary

Two long medieval strip lynchets associated with the deserted medieval village of Perching lying to the south. The top lynchet is approx. 210m long, truncated by modern ploughing on the northern end. The lower lynchet is slightly longer, approx 225m long, also truncated by ploughing to the north though with a turn downslope westwards before truncation.

Identification Images (4)

Fulking - Perching field system © National TrustFulking - Perching field system © National TrustFulking - Perching field system © National TrustPerching field system, Fulking Escarpment © National Trust
Fulking - Perching field system © National TrustFulking - Perching field system © National TrustFulking - Perching field system © National TrustPerching field system, Fulking Escarpment © National Trust

Monument Types

  • FIELD SYSTEM (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)

Description

Two long medieval strip lynchets associated with the deserted medieval village of Perching lying to the south. The top lynchet is approx. 210m long, truncated by modern ploughing on the northern end. The lower lynchet is slightly longer, approx 225m long, also truncated by ploughing to the north though with a turn downslope westwards before truncation. They are on a west facing slope and the banks are approx. 3m high. From examination of the 1946 APs (3G/TUD/UK/157/Part II Frame 5140) an approximate measurement comparing the length of the strip lynchets in 1946 with those depicted on the 1:10000 OS map suggests that up to 90m has been lost over the last 40 years. The lynchets are completely clear of scrub in 1946 and may well have been cultivated in the wartime years. The classic length of a strip is 203m (220yds or a furlong). Clearly the top one now corresponds roughly to this measurement but if up to 90m has been lost then these strip lynchets are longer than that considered average (SAC 45 Ancient Cultivations by R. Blaker).

References

  • SNA67973 - Report: Richard James. 2019. Monument Condition Assessment: Deserted medieval settlement and associated cultivation terraces on Perching Hill (List Entry Number: 1015125; NTHBSMR MNA Number: MNA127056).

  • SZL25834 - Photograph - colour: Joy Ede. 01/01/1996. Fulking - Distant shot of Perching DMV. One of two for panorama. 16.

  • SZL25835 - Photograph - colour: Joy Ede. 01/01/1996. Fulking - Distant shot of Perching DMV. Two of two for panorama. 17.

  • SZL293 - Article in serial: G A Holleyman. 1935. The Celtic field-system in South Britain. 9.

  • SZL39333 - Slide: Joy Ede. 01/02/1996. View towards Perching Hill showing the earthworks of the DMV, the strip lynchets and the IA lynchet. 24.

Designations

Other Statuses and References

  • Environmentally Sensitive Area
  • National Monuments Record Reference: TQ21SW23
  • National Park (South Downs)

Associated Events

  • ENA2060 - Field Survey, Archaeological and Land use history survey Fulking Escarpment
  • ENA9348 - Heritage Assessment, Monument Condition Assessment of deserted medieval settlement and associated cultivation terraces on Perching Hill

Associated Finds

None Recorded

Related Records

None Recorded