In 2012 as part of an investigation to find the site of the Croxton Kerrial Manor House, FLAG members undertook geophysical surveys of Pinfold field adjacent to the church in Croxton Kerrial. The results were extraordinary, clearly showing the remains of a substantial range of manorial buildings.

Resistivity survey of Pinfold field

Excavation of the site began in Spring 2012 and todate extensive masonary walls have been uncovered, believed to be the remains of the manorial hall, domestic buildings and stables/outhouses. The large number of pottery finds date mostly from the 13th to 15th century, contemporary with the period of manor house occupation, although finds of Roman and Anglo Saxon pottery indicate much ealier usage of the site. This seasons excavation restarted on the 16th April 2013, with immediate discoveries of walls at the west end of the hall, which we are now sure is the kitchen/buttery; we have uncovered a drainage duct here and are currently excavating the well. One of our most interesting discoveries were two hearths in the Great Hall, the original hearth in the centre and a later hearth against the south wall. 

Hearth in the centre of the Hall

Second hearth adjacent to south wall of hall

Hearths one & two

Drainage duct in kitchen

Aerial Photo of the dig at Croxton

Great hall, private chamber and garderobe

Garderobe to private chambers

 

Kitchen Well discovered August 2013 

The well has now been excavated to a depth of 4m, it is beautifully built in stone with a blue clay base. At the bottom of the well we discovered the remains of a bucket and a wonderful medieval water jug, almost intact, dropped in over 600 years ago!

Here are two of the intrepid well diggers!

 PETER