Site of early 19th century decoy pond, 'Goldhanger Decoy No.2', 700m south-west of Joyce's Farm (EHER 16387)

Now destroyed. A duck decoy pond which was roughly square and had eight arms. It appears to have been abandoned by 1852 and no traces of it existed in 1886. When visited in 1972 it was confirmed to have been filled in.

Duck decoy pond. Approximately square central pond with eight arms. <1> <2> <3> A decoy pond was in use in the early 19th century but had been abandoned by 1852. By this time its value was the same as the adjoining marshland but the shooting was worth more (ERO D/DB T68) and so decoy ponds were not economical to maintain. <4> Goldhanger Decoy (No. 2) was situated half a mile south-east of Goldhanger, on the verge of the shore, north of Goldhanger Creek, on the point of land that divides the Creek running up to Goldhanger and that going to Joyce's Farm House. It was said to be a very fine decoy with eight pipes, and it may be inferred that no traces of it existed in 1886, although it had been worked within the recollection of an old gunner, then aged 79. <5> NRHE data transfer: Decoy Pond. <6> September 1972. Field survey. Filled in. No trace of original outline. <7>