More information : [TF 09372695] Ringstone Hall [G.T.] (Site of) [TF 0938 2690] Cellar [G.T.] (Remains of) (1) The site of Ringstone Hall, Rippingale, is clearly marked. The remains of the cellar at present form a small pond 14 paces by 11 paces. Mawncere Marmyon (d.1505) left five marks for the "reparation of the chapel of Our Ladye" at Ringstone. This was probably connected with his own domain at Ringstone, where only the broken condition of the ground indicates the site of the Marmyon residence, which formerly stood near the present rectory. The lost village of Ringstone in Rippingale parish was mentioned before the Conquest and again in the 14th century. Air photographs show traces (although partially obliterated by later works) of what appears to be desertion at area TF 0937 2703. (2-4) There are no surface remains of either Ringstone Hall or village, the area as outlined is under crop. The cellar (as published) is filled. There is a surface scatter of building stone cent. at TF 0930 2695. (5) Listed by Beresford. (6) No change since 17-5-65. OS air photographs not available for inspection. (7)
A few Romano-British sherds and a quantity of Medieval pottery found on deserted Medieval village site in 1973. (8)
The post-Medieval remains of Ringstone Hall mentioned by the previous authorities were visible as earthworks on early air photographs but have subsequently been ploughed flat and are visible as cropmarks. These remains have been mapped from good quality air photographs. The remains of the cellar referred to by authorities 2-4 were visible as a pond at TF 09382690. Immediately to the north of this were the remains of a long wall with a short inset section in the middle. This could form part of an enclosure or the boundary of a terrace associated with the hall. Further to the north of this were more post-Medieval remains associated with Ringstone Hall. A rectangular building was visible defined by earth covered walls centred at TF 09372703. This measured 30m by 10m. Immediately south and west of this, centred at TF 09302698, is an area of disturbed ground with the incoherent and fragmentary remains of walls which are possibly the remains of more buildings. Adjacent to these is a large rectangular enclosure also defined by earth covered walls. This is centred at TF 09272703 and measures 90m by 48m and could be the remians of a formal garden associated with the hall. Continuing west of the enclosure are the remains of two parallel walls about 15m apart. These lead to a large quarried area measuring 85m by 50m, centred at TF 09112702. To the north of this is another cut feature which measures 80m by 15m and is centred TF 09242709. This seems to lead south from the stream and could be the remains of a water feature associated with the garden. It is rectilinear and is cut into the ridge and furrow and so is not likely to be a Medieval fishpond. On the eastern edge of the area associated with the hall is another rectilinear walled enclosure measuring 45m by 40m. This is centred at TF 09642710 and has a disturbed area in its interior and probably represents further post-Medieval garden remains. To the north of this, arranged along the stream, are a series of rectilinear shaped ponds centred at TF 09552717. These are probably also post- Medieval and could be associated with the house. The stream has now been straightened.
It was not possible to discern any remains positively identifiable as the Medieval settlement remains referred to by the previous authorities. There is a possible large forked hollow way, centred at TF 09452709 but it was not possible to say from the air photography whether this feature cuts the post-Medieval features or lies under them. This feature may even be semi-natural. To the south of this is what appears to be a Medieval ditched boundary centred at TF 09592697. (Morph No. LI.817.3.1-10, LI.817.4.1-2)
This description is based on data from the RCHME MORPH2 database. (9)
The place name is still well-known locally, and is preseved in the name of an unclassified road adjacent to the site - Ringstone Chase. The name is also used by the Church of England - the Ringstone in Aveland Benefice is a group of parishes. (10) |