Monument record 2013/1/3 - Marl pit at Capenhurst moated site

A marl pit is shown on the 1889 Ordinance Survey Map. It is shown as one pit but is now (1996) divided in two to create a deeper fish pond at the north end. The south end is almost dry. It has the characteristic slope at the south end of a marl pit, created when the wagons were backed in to be loaded. There is a corresponding steeper side representing the digging face. In the 1840 Tithe Documents marl pits were abundant in the area; most of the ponds in the parish started life as marl pits. By the 1840s the practise of marling had died out as alternatives were found which were cheaper and better (1).

<1> Quilliam B, 1996, An archaeological study of the moated site at SJ376736 (Unpublished Report). SCH240.