Penley Copse, Isnage

Has been described as a Questionable Timber Castle (Other/Unknown)

There are cropmark/slight earthwork remains

NamePenley Copse, Isnage
Alternative Names
Historic CountryHampshire and the Isle of Wight
Modern AuthorityHampshire
1974 AuthorityHampshire
Civil ParishFroyle

In the NW of PENLEY COPSE, on level ground, is a rectangular earthwork consisting of two portions, placed longways, E-W; the western rectangle c.45 yards by 31 yards and the eastern one c.34 yards by 27 yards - the measurements are only approx. The larger and principal enclosure has a bank 2 feet high and a ditch 3 feet deep; 34 feet wide overall and in fair preservation except the SE corner where the bank is gone. The entrance 12 feet wide, is just S. of the W. side with no particular features. The E. enclosure has a bank 1 1/2' high and ditch 1' deep. The soil is clay - ponds could be made anywhere. A 'T' shaped trench c.8' wide on the E. side holds a little water.

The earthwork gives the impression of having been protective rather than defensive and the name of the copse suggest a cattle enclosure. PEN. however may refer to the hill on which it is situated (Williams-Freeman; Rev.O.N.B. 1933, 11; P. Hants F.C., 13 (1935-7), 229).

The major part of PENLEY COPSE has now been cleared of trees and the eastern part of this earthwork is in a ploughed field; the bank and ditch are now unsurveyable. The description of the earthwork given by WILLIAMS - FREEMAN - is correct. Probably as a result of the clearance of the trees, foundations of buildings can be seen in the eastern part of the western enclosre as low turf banks with flints on and about them, and with parched grass following their line. No tile fragments were seen or any finds made and it would appear that the enclosures and buildings are a simple Md, homestead (F1 WW 29-JUN-56). (PastScape)

Gatehouse Comments

Seemingly described as a possible ringwork at some point. Isolated, not a manorial centre and seems unlikely as a medieval castle.

- Philip Davis

This site is a scheduled monument protected by law

Not Listed

Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSU776458
Latitude51.2066917419434
Longitude-0.890820026397705
Eastings477600
Northings145860
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Osborne, Mike, 2011, Defending Hampshire: The Military Landscape from Prehistory to the Present (Stroud: The History Press) p. 243 (listed in Appendix)
  • Williams-Freeman, J.P.,1915, An Introduction to Field Archaeology as Illustrated by Hampshire (London) p. 308, 425

Journals

  • 1935-7, Proceeding of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society Vol. 13 p. 229