Medieval field systems – Bolton Castle

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Historical Environment Record No:
MYD4570
Parish:
Castle Bolton
OS Grid Reference:
SE029916
Dale:
Lower Wensleydale
Related to:

Timeline

Themes

Description

Medieval field systems – Bolton Castle form the air MYD4570 (c) YDNPA, 2023

Medieval field systems – Bolton Castle from the air MYD4570 (c) YDNPA, 2023

One of the most extensive and best-preserved Medieval farming landscapes lies around Castle Bolton in Wensleydale. This part of it lies north west of Castle Bank Farm. The fields belonged to the Townships of Little Bolton and East Bolton. The earthworks now lie under grass and include strip lynchets, stackgarths, barn platforms and field boundaries.

Source:

Moorhouse, Stephen (2003) ‘The anatomy of the Yorkshire Dales: deciphering the medieval landscape’ in Manby, T G et al (eds) (2003) The Archaeology of Yorkshire: an assessment at the beginning of the 21st century. Yorkshire Archaeological Society Occasional Paper No 3 pp293-362

Location

The footpath starts from the entrance to the National Park car park on the north west side of the castle (signpost Aysgarth). Walk diagonally across the field to its south west corner where there is a squeeze stile with a gate. This brings you into Cow Pasture Plantation: a small wood. The path takes you across the southern edge of the wood to a second gated squeeze stile. Once through this you are on the fields.

Public Transport Details

Nearest town/village: Castle Bolton. Call Traveline on 0870 608 2 608 to plan your journey. After the welcome message key in 885 for North Yorkshire information.

Accessibility

Two squeeze stiles, both with gates and one low step. Mud and roots through the plantation.