Monument record PSG 048 - Fishpond, Chipley Priory, Poslingford

TL 76294978 Fishpond (NR) (S1)

Three fishponds were visible near the site of Chipley Priory according to Messent, although in 1950 the Field Investigator only saw one feature that resembled a fishpond (at TL 76294978). Dickinson, in 1956, stated that the present Chipley Priory farmhouse was partly surrounded by a moat and two of the old fishponds also remained. (See TL 74 NE1 for associated Chipley Priory). (S2-S4)

The large fishpond east of Chipley Abbey is spring fed and measures 54.0m. long and 20.0m. wide. It's northwest end is connected to a dry, arm, 12.0m. wide and 1.0m. deep, which forms part of a fishpond complex not a moat, as suggested by Authority 4.

A pond to the north is unrelated and of later date. From the south-east end of the major fishpond, a small stream issues, and is ditched around a natural hollow along the fall line. Restriction of the stream would cause a large pond to form in the hollow, and it is therefore possibly the site of another stew Published 1:2500 survey revised. (S5)

October 2026. South-West Suffolk Claylands Aerial Investigation and Mapping (AI&M) Project.
Three ponds are visible as earthworks on visualised lidar data (S8), in the vicinity of Chipley Priory (PSG 001). They can be correlated with the ponds described above. As described above, whether they all represent medieval fishponds is not clear. As also described above, they are connected to the wider network of drains and streams surrounding the site. As the lidar survey was flown relatively recently (2022) it is likely that the earthworks still survive.
S. Tremlett (Norfolk County Council Environment Team), 6th October 2026.