| Title: |
Archaeological Summary Report: Stone Feature at Upper Alders, Sandy Smith Nature Reserve, Chicksands, Bedfordshire |
| Series: |
KDK Archaeology unpublished report series
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| Downloads: |
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kdkarcha1-501884_217149.pdf (6 MB)
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| Biblio Note |
This report was uploaded to the OASIS system by the named Publisher. The report has been transferred into the ADS Library for public access and to facilitate future research.
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| Licence Type: |
ADS Terms of Use and Access
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| DOI |
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| Publication Type: |
Report (in Series)
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| Abstract: |
In April 2021 KDK Archaeology Ltd undertook a programme of Investigation and Recording of a collapsed stone feature at Upper Alders, Sandy Smith Nature Reserve, Chicksands, Bedfordshire. The feature consisted of an ironstone and brick plinth, as well as several large stone components scattered in the immediate vicinity with a concentration to the west. These included a pediment, a slab base, two wedge-shaped supports and several probable side panels. The structure appears to have been a small folly in a shape similar to a classical style mausoleum, but there is no evidence to suggest that this was its true function. It is located on land that previously belonged to the Chicksands Estate and was most probably constructed in the early to mid-19th century. The stone and brick feature found in Upper Alders is a collapsed masonry structure dating to the post-medieval or Victorian period, and likely relates to landscaping on the former Chicksands estate, owned at that time by the Osborn family. It is not certain whether the surrounding landscape was woodland at the time of its construction, but its proximity to the River Flit would have made it an attractive location for a small monument or folly. The feature consists of a plinth with an ironstone rubble base and a narrower brick section above. Large limestone components are scattered in the immediate vicinity. These include a slab that sat on top of the bricks. On top of this were wedge-shaped supports and side panels, although it is more difficult to tell how these were arranged or fitted together. The feature was topped with a large pediment that had moulded corner decorations. It is not possible to say for sure whether the feature collapsed naturally over time or if it was intentionally demolished, however it stands to reason that intentional demolition would also have resulted in the reclamation of materials. As the plinth leans significantly to the west, it is likely that it naturally subsided and the excessive weight of the stone pieces on top lead to an accidental collapse. The feature has no obvious purpose. It is too small to have been useful as a mausoleum, except perhaps for a domestic pet. However there are no visible inscriptions or anything else on the stones to suggest this function, though it must be noted that these may have gone undiscovered. The most likely conclusion is that the structure was intended as a simple form of temple folly. Its date is unlikely to be earlier than the 18th century as classical styled follies were less common before that time. The partial presence of lightly frogged bricks in the plinth, as well as the hardness of the mortar, suggests a date of early to mid-19th century. |
| Author: |
Chris Martin-Taylor
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| Publisher: |
KDK Archaeology Ltd
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| Other Person/Org: |
Central Bedfordshire HER (OASIS Reviewer)
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| Year of Publication: |
2021
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| Locations: |
| County: |
Central Bedfordshire |
| Parish: |
Campton and Chicksands |
| County: |
Bedfordshire |
| District: |
Central Bedfordshire |
| Country: |
England |
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Grid Reference: 511715, 238839 (Easting, Northing)
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| Subjects / Periods: |
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| Identifiers: |
| OASIS Id: |
kdkarcha1-501884 |
| Report id: |
584/CSS/1.1 |
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| Source: |
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| Relations: |
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| Created Date: |
23 Feb 2024 |
