On the western edge of the former royal deer park of Clipstone, in the heart of Sherwood Forest- are a series of large ponds fed by a spring and a tributary of the River Maun. They are overlooked by steep slopes of ground to the east which once housed a fortification built by Edward II in the early 14th century.
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This fortification was Clipstone Peel- built as a refuge during 'a time of political turmoil. The peel was constructed in timber except for a stone gatehouse. When the peel was dismantled during the reign of Edward III, the gatehouse was left standing, and the small ruin known as Beeston Lodge is now all that remains' (Wright, 2008).
Picture: The Spa Ponds- Medieval fish ponds in Clipstone Park (near Forest Town) Picture Mercian Archaeological Services CIC 2013.
Picture: The Spa Ponds- Medieval fish ponds in Clipstone Park (near Forest Town) Picture Mercian Archaeological Services CIC 2013.
Overlooked by this fortification the ponds were kept for provision of fish for the king- and represent a massive undertaking by the crown. They are a hugely important part of local medieval heritage, and are an important part of a national story relating to the time of Edward II.
Picture: The remains of the gatehouse to Clipstone Peel- Beeston Lodge, in Clipstone Park (near Forest Town) Picture Mercian Archaeological Services CIC 2013.
Picture: Tone of the giant dam banks within the pond system, in Clipstone Park (near Forest Town) Picture Mercian Archaeological Services CIC 2013.
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