Medieval fishponds at Dewes Green Farm, Berden (EHER 3930)

A series of medieval fishponds, now dry, set into a gently sloping clay soil adjacent to a stream.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: A series of medieval fishponds, now dry, set into a gently sloping clay soil adjacent to a stream. Probably connected with Berden Priory. They comprise the remains of two rectangular ponds set within one another, with the remains of a further pond to the south. Now destroyed. They measured overall 46m north to south by 30m east to west with arms approximately 8m wide and 1m deep. <6> in <1> Moat like earthwork with central rectangular pond. North and east arms dry. The field name was Brooks moat on the Tithe map. <2> in <1> OS described in 1955 as a moat-like earthwork and suggested it was a small homestead moat with the island deposited at a later date, or possibly an oyster culture tank for the priory. According to local tradition it was a 'Roman mud bath' but this is probably a recent idea after the finding of Roman remains close by (3931). <3> Site surveyed and investigated prior to its filling. Inspection pits were dug, and it was established that the feature had been cut into the slope of the field. Part of the south bank and the 'U' feature had been lowered by earthmoving machinery driving across them. It is suggested that the site was developed as a pond. From maps and discussion, it seems that in the past a spring rose within the structure at various points. Despite drainage the area was waterlogged for most of the year. A suggestion is that it was a fish hatchery for the 12th century priory stock-ponds or watercress beds, but the area dries out for a period each year. Is it a clay pit? But it is unlikely it would be so regular. A house/villa foundations? No footings were found in probing and a spring would not be a desirable feature. No clear evidence of dating was found. There was 10-15cm of silt in the 'pond', not suggesting long use. no evidence of deposits from cleaning. No molluscs either, they would also suggest long use. Plants did not offer a useful guide. The field name is Masons, probably a reference to an owner. Site Assessment = Site now filled and levelled but a suggestion that there will be differential growth over the earthworks in future crops. <4> Earthwork visible on APs: <5> <7> <8> The survey and excavation was by Bishop's Stortford and District Local History Society. Limited excavation showed the feature was covered by well-developed turf some 23cm thick whilst 10-15cm of silt had accumulated in the central area. It may be comparable to a brick structure of Tudor date controlling a spring, recorded at Rochford Golf Course. <9> Fragments of pottery, one with red glaze, one with cream glaze found in this area in 1935. <10> 1950. Field survey. When interviewed. Rev Stewart claimed Hadrianic coins and pottery found here in 1935. No trace of any Roman material found - evidence rather vague and hearsay. Sketch survey. <11> 1975. Field survey. A series of Md fishponds, now dry, centred at TL 45870344 set into a gently sloping clay soil probably connected with Berden Priory (TL 43 SE 22). They measure overall 46.0m north-south by 30.0m east-west with arms approximately 8.0m wide and 1.0m deep. Surveyed at 1:2500. <12> TL 45863044. Inconclusive survey by the Bishop's Stortford and District Local History Society. <13> See also: <14>