Monument record MKE127495 - Post-medieval pond, Butts Bank, Torry Hill Estate

Summary

A 19th century pond was identified at Rough Park, Frinsted, Maidstone during the 2024 Kent Downs National Landscape Historic Ponds project. The feature is visible on 2nd edition OS map, however, no pond sediments were identified during augering carried out at the site in 2025, 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 8914 5507 (13m by 11m)
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 2nd edition map only. 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: Circular pond along a field boundary, seen on 2nd edition OS, but not modern OS. Dark on 1m Lidar.
Recorded date: 02/12/2024 (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 1898 OS map as an irregular shaped pond measuring around 12m 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 Wessex Archaeology, 2025, (Draft) North Downs Heritage Ponds Project Phase 1 Report (Unpublished document).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 Unpublished document: Wessex Archaeology. 2025.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 Butts Bank pond, Torry Hill Estate, Frinsted, Maidstone, 2025 (EKE25751)

Record last edited

Nov 18 2025 2:28PM