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Spa Ponds and  Clipstone Peel

Mercian Archaeological Services Community Archaeology The Sherwood Forest Archaeology Project

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.

Visitors since 7th November 2013

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Spa Ponds Sherwood Forest Medieval

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).

Spa Ponds, Forest Town Sherwood Forest

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.



Clipstone Peel Gatehouse, Beeston Lodge, Sherwood Forest

Picture: The remains of the gatehouse to Clipstone Peel- Beeston Lodge, in Clipstone Park (near Forest Town) Picture Mercian Archaeological Services CIC 2013.

Spa Ponds Medieval Dam Sherwood Forest

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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