Norman ringwork, The Rookery or Cumber Hills, Berden (EHER 3854)

The site of a Norman ringwork (ringwork motte) which has now been destroyed.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: A Norman ring-work surrounded by a U-shaped ditch at The Rookery, Berden, was excavated by G.M. Knocker in 1954. Overall diameter to the outer edge of the ditch was about 180 ft, with the central area having a diameter of about 72ft. The ditch, originally between 5 and 6 ft deep, was filled with some 2ft of wet silt. Finds consisted of a 12th century pot in the make-up of the bank, and a 13th century pot on the central hearth. A map of 1602 shows the earthwork, somewhat sketchily, as a rectangle. The earthwork has now been destroyed. A map of 1602 shows the earthworks somewhat sketchily as a rectangle (with S.P. Plowden at Berden Hall). On an RAF photo donated by Mrs Angela Colne, a note says 'The interior of this work is boggy and contains water'. Destroyed by ploughing and the name 'The Rookery' is no longer used locally (1975). The field in which the earthwork stands was called 'Cumber Hills' in 1839. <1> - <7> 1950 the moat was permanently dry for half its circumference on the south side. It is suggested that it was unfinished and that it predated the similar site at TL 46952895. By 1966 the site had been completely ploughed out. <2> <7> Excavation 1954 by G.M. Knocker on behalf of the DOE. Report TEAS NS 25, 258 suggests 12th to 13th century date on basis of finds. <3> <8> See also: <9> - <12> 1975. Field survey. A circular earthwork now destroyed leaving no trace. Details given by Authy 2 indicate that it was similar in size and shape to the earthwork "The Crump", 500.0m to the south-east. The name "The Rookery" is no longer used locally. The tithe map of 1839 shows it as "Cumber Hills". Published survey (25") revised. <13>