More information : [NY 07262510] Earthworks [O.E.] (1)
At Dean..." are parallel excavations in a swampy hollow and of
oblong-square form"... (2)
"At the foot of [Park Hill, Dean]are... parallel trenches [which]
are parallel excavations, but for what purpose they were constructed
remains an enigma. They appear to be much later than the British
period, and it has been suggested that they may have been medieval
fish-ponds. Their waterlogged condition and proximity to the old
church and manor house give colour to this view but the theory is
not completely convincing." (3)
Further references (4-5)
"Probably fishponds" (6)
[Refs. to authority 3 supra:] (7)
Situated at the face of the S.W. slopes of Park Hill are a series of
parallel depressions enclosed on the E side by an earthen bank.
Two of the depressions run from NE to SW whilst three others are
at right angles to them and run from NW to SE. The depressions which
are reed covered and marshy underfoot, are separated by earthen
banks each of which averages 3m in width by 0.7m in height, and are
obviously constructed with the spoil from the
depressions. On the western side is a stream, dry at the time of
investigation which would serve to feed the ponds formed by the
parallel banks. A spring inside the NE corner of the enclosure
bank would also appear to serve the same purpose. The earthen bank
enclosing the whole site acts as a pond bay preventing the overflow
from the open ends of the depression. Mr. T.W. Waite, the owner of
the field could offer no information on the nature of the site and
there were no significant field names. The banks have no defensive
appearances, and as suggested by Authority 6 are most probably the
remains of Md. fishponds.
A 25" A.M. Survey has been made. (8)
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