Anglo-Saxons in the back garden

My lastest blog for Country Life features the history of a house that is a little bit different. The house was built during the 1860s, but situated in the back garden are the remains of a motte and bailey.

Mill Cottage - Newnham

An archaeological survey in 1880 also uncovered Anglo-Saxon activity, Stone Age barrow and evidence of Roman activity in the grounds around Mill Cottage. However, despite all these ancient associations, very little remains today, but rather Mill Cottage sits within rolling hills and landscaped gardens in the North Downs.

View over North Downs

Mill Cottage was built during the 1860s to accompany a windmill that had been built on the top of the ancient mound in 1819. The windmill, built by John Filmer, did not remain long as it was dismantled by 1876, but Mill Cottage remained and was divided into two homes and became Mill Cottages. During the late 19th century it was home to agricultural labourers.

Ordnance Survey map - 1905

This section from the Ordnance Survey map in the early 20th century shows the house divided into two and also still marks the ancient mound. However, by the 1950s the house was converted back into a single home and the surrounding land was landscaped, which sadly included further levelling of the motte and bailey and filling-in of the surrounding ditch.

Mill Cottage

Today, Mill Cottage sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Special Landscape Area and although only a small part of the motte and bailey remains, it is clear that this quiet corner of the North Downs has seen plenty of history in its time.

For more information about Mill Cottage visit -  Chesterton Humberts 

For the complete history of Mill Cottage – The history of Mill Cottage – Champion Court