Staines Town Defences

Has been described as a Possible Urban Defence

There are no visible remains

NameStaines Town Defences
Alternative NamesPenton Ditch
Historic CountrySurrey
Modern AuthoritySurrey
1974 AuthoritySurrey
Civil ParishStaines

It is said that Staines was once surrounded by a ditch; but if this ever was the case, very scanty traces of it remain, except in what is known as Penton Ditch (Walford). Penton Ditch has not been located either from field enquiries or from an inspection of the 1st edition O.S. 6" 1865-70 (F1 ASP 14-APR-60). (PastScape)

In the decayed old town a series of ditches dug along the southern river frontage may have assisted the defence of Stana from Vikings and others (Jones)

Gatehouse Comments

Staines has a complex topography and its centre has moved over time. The given map reference is the location of the Saxon bridge, presumably included within the Saxon defensive circuit (if such existed). No suggestion of post-Conquest defenses.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceTQ033714
Latitude51.4325790405273
Longitude-0.514339983463287
Eastings503300
Northings171400
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

No photos available. If you can provide pictures please contact Castlefacts

Most of the sites or buildings recorded in this web site are NOT open to the public and permission to visit a site must always be sought from the landowner or tenant.

Calculate Print

Books

  • Jones, P. with Poulton, R., 2010, Roman and medieval Staines: the development of the town (SpoilHeap Monograph 2) Abstract and digital supplement
  • Creighton, O.H. and Higham, R.A., 2005, Medieval Town Walls (Stroud: Tempus) p. 262
  • Walford, E., 1883, Greater London (Cassell) Vol. 1 p. 188 online copy

Journals

  • Creighton, Oliver, 2006, ''Castles of Communities': Medieval Town Defences in England; Wales and Gascony' Château Gaillard Vol. 22 p. 75-86
  • 1984, Joint Publication of the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society and the Surrey Archaeological Society Vol. 22 p. 129

Other

  • Surrey County Council, 2006, Extensive Urban Survey - Surrey (English Heritage) Download copy