Monument record MKE127452 - Post-medieval pond, Gate Field, Torry Hill Estate

Summary

A 19th century pond was identified at Gate Field, Torry Hill Estate during the 2024 Kent Downs National Landscape Historic Ponds project. The feature is visible on 1st and 2nd edition OS map, however, no pond sediments were identified during 2025 augering at the site, suggesting the pond could result from the seasonal pooling of water rather than representing a managed feature in the landscape.

Location

Grid reference Centred TQ 8985 5586 (18m by 17m)
Map sheet TQ85NE
County KENT
District MAIDSTONE, KENT
Civil Parish FRINSTED, MAIDSTONE, KENT

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

Dew pond (or sole pond), visible on 1st and 2nd edition OS map. Recorded during 2024 Kent Downs National Landscape Historic Ponds project.
Preservation:Pond on historic maps but not visible on current OS (ghost pond)
Pond shape:Circular/oval
Site type: Dew pond (or sole pond)
Description: Perfectly circular pond on the edge of Ringlestone Rd, seen on 1st and 2nd edition OS and a small, faint mark on 1m Lidar.
Recorded date: 25/11/2024 (1)

Investigations were carried out at the site in 2025 comprising a desk-based assessment, field visit, and a hand auger survey. The feature is visible on the 1870 OS map as a circular pond measuring around 17m in diameter. No pond sediments were identified during augering, suggesting the feature could result from the seasonal pooling of water rather than representing a managed feature in the landscape. (2)


<1> Kent Downs AONB Unit, 2025, Historic Ponds Project dataset (Digital archive). SKE58454.

<2> Wessex Archaeology, 2025, (Draft) North Downs Heritage Ponds Project Phase 1 Report (Unpublished document). SKE58669.

Sources/Archives (2)

  • <1> Digital archive: Kent Downs AONB Unit. 2025. Historic Ponds Project dataset.
  • <2> Unpublished document: Wessex Archaeology. 2025. (Draft) North Downs Heritage Ponds Project Phase 1 Report.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

  • Intrusive Event: Investigations at Gate Field pond, Torry Hill Estate, Frinsted, Maidstone, 2025 (EKE25752)

Record last edited

Nov 18 2025 2:27PM