Towns and Villages Near Barton Hall:
Northampton

Distance and Directions from Barton Hall

Located in the picturesque countryside, Barton Hall is only a short journey from several  Medieval Villages. For instance, Wharram Percy, one of the most famous medieval villages, is approximately 15 miles north of Barton Hall. Simply take the A-road northbound, and within a 30-minute drive, you’ll arrive at this intriguing site. Another noteworthy site, Gainsthorpe, lies about 20 miles east. A scenic drive through the rolling landscapes will lead you there in about 40 minutes.

Overview of  Medieval Villages

 Medieval Villages are settlements that were once lively communities but were gradually abandoned due to various factors such as economic changes, population decline, or ecological challenges. In these villages, visitors often find the outlines of buildings, remnants of churches, and sometimes, even traces of roadways. The enigmatic atmosphere of these sites provides a poignant reminder of historical transitions and natural evolutions within rural England.

Notable  Medieval Villages Near Barton Hall

One of the main highlights of exploring medieval villages is experiencing the sense of stepping back in time. At Wharram Percy, visitors can view the remains of a medieval church and investigate the contours of stone foundations that once made up village homes. Information boards peppered around the site offer deeper insights into daily life in a medieval village. Barton Seagrave

On the edge of Kettering, close to Barton Hall itself, lie the remnants of an earlier medieval settlement. Here you can still spot earthworks marking out house plots, two moated enclosures, and a fishpond. These features hint at a once-bustling community that gradually shrank as the centuries passed.

Wythmail

Just south of Kettering, Wythmail is recorded in the Domesday Book with around 17 residents. It survived into the 14th century, but by the early 1700s only a single house remained. Today, the outlines of medieval streets and fields can still be seen from the air, leaving behind an atmospheric footprint of this lost village.

Glendon

Once a thriving settlement east of Glendon Hall, Glendon was cleared in the early 1500s to make way for sheep pasture. By 1514, most of the village houses had disappeared. A hollowed medieval trackway, possibly the main street, and the hall itself are now all that remain to tell its story.

Church Charwelton

South-east of Charwelton, this abandoned village was established in the 15th century, during widespread land enclosure. The parish church still stands alone in the landscape, surrounded by medieval earthworks including hollow-ways and ponds. It’s a striking reminder of the communities that once lived along the River Cherwell.

Little Oxendon

One of the best-preserved medieval villages in Northamptonshire, Little Oxendon lies just north of Great Oxendon. The site features classic earthworks, with a hollow-way, crofts, tofts, and traces of its manor or chapel area. Cleared for sheep farming in the late Middle Ages, the village is now a scheduled monument, with its layout still clearly visible under the pasture.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Beyond the medieval villages, the area surrounding Barton Hall offers plenty of additional attractions. Nearby, explore the majestic walled garden at Middleton Hall with its delightful array of floral displays. Alternatively, enjoy a day of hiking or cycling in the scenic Yorkshire Wolds, where panoramic views and abundant wildlife are in abundance. For those who appreciate art and culture, local galleries and artisan workshops highlight regional talents and craftsmanship.

The History of  Medieval Villages

The history of Medieval villages in Northamptonshire and the UK, is a compelling saga of medieval life tailored by time. The abandonment of these villages started around the 12th century, due to varied factors including the impacts of the Black Death, which decimated populations, and the Enclosures Act, which changed agrarian practices. Additionally, shifts in trade and agriculture led to economic declines that spurred populations to relocate. Today, medieval villages serve as invaluable archaeological sites, providing insight into England’s societal transformations over centuries.

In conclusion, a visit to the  Medieval Villages near Barton Hall offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past amidst stunning landscapes. Plan your trip today and immerse yourself in the history and beauty of these ancient sites.