Possible medieval mill dam at Pond Bay (EHER 1543)

Linear earthwork, probably a mill dam. It is presumed to be medieval.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Linear earthwork and mound across valley. Probably mill dam and works. Probably mill dam and works. <1> April 1975. Field visit. A dog-leg pond bay on the west side of the River Chelmer, extending from TL 60713035 to TL 60823033. It formerly extended about a further 40.0m to the west, according to the farmer, but this section has been destroyed. It is feasible that the mill stood in area TL 60663038 at the west limit of the bay. The construction of a pond about 1963, at about TL 60773037 resulted in dumping and mutilation of the bank on the north side. On the south side the bay has a maximum height of 3.5m. The siting of the bay takes advantage of a natural ridge on the east side of the river, which itself forms a dam. Surveyed at 1:2500. <2> <3> OS plan card shows earthworks, no text cards with it. Site Assessment: "Very good condition considering at least 600yrs of disuse. No threat from present owner. He regards it as an important amenity area". <4> Site of manorial water mill, mentioned in Domesday Survey. Disused by 1348 according to the County Archivist. Substantial earthworks remain-formed a dam and platform. Have been covered for a long time by trees and scrub. <5> - <7>