Budbrooke Shrunken Medieval Settlement

1 Church stands virtually alone. The main settlement has moved to the former hamlet of Hampton on the Hill. Neither Rous nor Dugdale mention the depopulation.
2 Poor archaeology (C), excellent evidence for village’s former existence but period of desertion unknown.
3 In the field S of the church are several banks and hollows. Was there a small village on this site?
4 ‘King’s Close’ is locally thought to be the site of the village of Budbrooke which was, according to tradition, deliberately burnt to destroy a plague. No information concerning date of depopulation. 1951: At the S of the field are traces of mill-basins or fishponds (PRN 5438), at the N a ditch (moat, PRN 5439). Between these are one or two vague bumps or depressions. 1961: Fishponds and ?moat described.
5 The field has continued to be ploughed and, although traces of house platforms and hollow ways survive, they are now too low to be surveyed.
6 Photograph.
7 Budbrooke was listed in Domesday in Ferncombe Hundred. The Phillimore edition gives a grid reference of 2565.
Ref 26,1 Ralph of Limesy holds 5 hides from the King. Land for 12 ploughs, In lordship 3 ploughs; 7 slaves; 22 villagers and 13 smallholders with 6 ploughs. A mill at 2s. Meadow, 30 acres; woodland 1 league long and 3 furlongs wide; in Warwick 7 houses which pay 7s a year. The value was and is £8. Earl Edwin held it.
8 Medieval coins found in the area. Grid reference given of SP259653 approx. Method of recovery unrecorded.
9 Two pennies of Henry I found in 1996.
10 Further photographs.