Building record BNL 050 - Walled Pond at Old Lodge

The walled pond was depicted in its present form on the tithe map of 1847, having been built since 1818 - possibly re-using bricks from an exceptionally large late-18th century stable block to the west which was partly demolished during the same period. A smaller walled pond which no longer survives was also built to the west of the farm yard. Walled ponds were expensive but fashinable in the 19th century on the 'model' farms of gentry estats such as this. At 30.5m in length by 16.5m this example is unusually big and remains a visually and historically impressive feature that survives in largely original condition. The solid base appears to consist of brick and slopes upwards towards the original entrance in the nort-western corner, indicated by a worn gate pier. The entrance remained intact until a new wall was built within the last ten years to accommodate a wooden platform reached by steps cut into the oringinal eastern wall (S1).