Medieval or post-medieval park pale at The Warren, Epping Forest (EHER 81421)

A medieval or post-medieval park pale is visible as an earthwork on 2023 0.25m Lidar data. This feature was mapped as part of the 2024-2025 Epping Forest Aerial and Investigation Project carried out by Historic England.

2024-2025. Epping Forest Aerial and Investigation Project. A medieval or post-medieval park pale is visible as an earthwork on 2023 0.25m Lidar data (commissioned by City of London Corporation). The feature comprises an intermittent earthwork bank with intermittent internal and external ditches that form much of the current southern and eastern boundary of The Warren plantation. The exact date for the setting out of the boundary is unclear. However, previous map regression and documentary research carried out as part of the 2018 Park Management Plan (PMP) for the Copped Hall estate suggests that the park pale as it exists at the time of survey was likely in place by 1621, with the park likely extended to incorporate The Warren during the mid-late 16th century. The nature of the earthworks vary along its course. The remains that run west from London Lodge West comprise a bank and external ditch only, whereas to the east of the lodge the earthworks comprise a bank with internal and external ditch. Between London Lodge West and Warren House there are two clear breaks in the bank and ditches, possibly smaller original access points in and out of the park. To the east of Warren House, the earthworks are more intermittent, likely caused by later erosion and wider parkland management/cultivation. Most notable is the absence of earthwork evidence for a south-east corner of the boundary, it having possibly been completely levelled in recent times. An eastern section of bank and ditches immediately to the south of the M25 has also been remodelled to incorporate drainage channels to allow for the draining of water from fields to the east. More recent extensions to Warren House have also likely removed parts of the park pale. This feature was mapped as part of the 2024-2025 Epping Forest Aerial and Investigation Project carried out by Historic England. <1> <2> <3>