The Boundaries Discussion : Lordenshaws Holding

Lordenshaws Lordenshaws

Lordenshaw sections 1 - 3 comprise various types of modern post and wire fence. No boundaries are shown in these areas on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map and they therefore are believed to be an entirely modern construct.

Section 1 overlies the mediaeval deer park wall although at this point it is not discernible. A few metres to the east however it survives, running along the contour of The Beacon, forming an earthen bank faced with stone on the north side. The facing is well constructed and coursed in carboniferous sandstone and stands to a height of 1.5m. It also represents the township boundary at this point.

The fence line continues over the shoulder of the Simonside ridge and descends to Spylaw. At Spylaw the holding boundary changes direction and extends to the east. Although no boundaries are shown on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map a short section of very ruinous dry stone wall runs parallel on the south side.

A series of banks cross and recross the fence line, underlying both fence and wall. These generally stand to a height of 1m by 1.5m wide and become more frequent at the eastern extent of the section where some include the remnants of grown out hawthorns. It is probable that these are the result of the early 18th century 'improvements' and were derelict by the time of the 1st edition Survey. Along sections of the fence line are the remains of an earlier metal-posted fence.

Sections 4 - 7 are all post and wire fences, with no indication of earlier boundaries on the ground or on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map. East of section 7 the prominent banks of a field system with rigg and furrow were observed. Sections 8, 9 and 11 are all modern post and wire or sheep netting fences running alongside remnant hedge banks.

Along section 10 however there is no fence whatsoever. A hedge bank stands to a height of 0.7m and 2m wide. It has a considerable ditch on the north side 2.5m wide and 1.5m deep with a flowing watercourse in it. Remnants of out-grown hawthorns continue in places.  However, the bank is extremely eroded as a result of cattle coming down to the stream to drink at this point. In the fields to the north and south there is evidence of rigg and furrow and further hedge banks.

Section 13 which runs over Garleigh Moor is not shown on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map: however, along the present fence line, are the remains of an earlier one constructed with metal stanchions bedded in rock which must be late 19th century in date.

Section 13 begins at the junction with the parish boundary between Rothbury Forest and Hesleyhurst (originally a township boundary). The fence line follows the course of the deer park wall, which is visible in places standing to a height of 0.5m and 1.2m wide.