Monument record LWT 028 - Akethorp Manor Bank

Surviving boundary ditch and part bank of the manor of Akethorpe in N Lowestoft. Thought to pre-date Magdalene College's aquisition of the manor circa 1460, although could have been re-dug at that time. Apparently a similar ditch on Corton Common was dated to 15th century. E half of marked section now built over (S1).
1986: alongside the playing field of Lowestoft's Benjamin Britten High School is '180 paces of ditch (6 feet deep) and bank, the latter surmounted by oaks, plus a further 60 paces of ditch and hedge. This latterhas 6/7 species along its length (oak, holly, hawthorn, bramble, sallow, blackthorn & wild rose), which would suggest a respectably medieval origin. Not far away, in the middle of a housing estate (at the back of Stoven Close), is a 90 pace continuation of the feature. The ditch has gone, but the bank survives, surmounted by holly, hawthorn and oak trees (there is also the odd "springing" of hazel)' (Info supplied to Edward Martin, May 1986).
1993: Examination by Dr John Ridgard located 5 qualifying tree species over 30 yard length suggesting an age of circa 400-450 years. Possibly part of former parish boundary. In 1770 proprietor at Gunton built bank to separate Gunton from Lowestoft and to enclose part of the common which had previously laid waste. Tithe map of 1819 shows line of bank as marking boundary round an estate still owned by Magdalen College, Oxford. According to Davy Magdalen College acquired lordship of Akethorp manor in 1478. It had previously been owned by the Fastolf family. The hedgerow dating matches this date tolerably. Probably part of perimeter boundary for Akethorp manor (recorded in Domesday survey) and re-contoured (?) by Magdalen College. Its irregularity suggests it is not the 1770 bank. Details in (S2)