Site of Medieval Grange at Biggin Hall

1 The monks of Pipwell had lands in Thurlaston and on that land was a Grange called the Bigging, situated on that part of the field named Stokewell Furlong. There was also a chapel (PRN 3088).
2 The name is preserved in Biggin Hall Farm. There is a record in 1298 of the building of a chamber for the monks. The exact site of the Grange/Chapel is not known, but dressed stones are dug up from time to time on Biggin Hall Farm.
3 Pipewell had two Granges at Thurlaston (see also PRN 3089). These probably consisted of a chamber, or hall, with perhaps a kitchen, a barn and other outbuildings.
4 There are earthworks in the fields below and next to the farm (SP4670) which may indicate the site of the Grange – for instance a large fishpond, trackways, very prominent banks, possible house platforms.
5 These earthworks require more detailed assessment.
6 It is reported that there are stone vaults under Biggin Hill Farm, these have been filled in during the 20th century. However, the original entrance to the vault is still visible. The earthworks to the north and east of the lake is called Patrick’s Field and there most of the earthworks have been filled in in the latter part of the 20th century. The owners call a large hollow to the north of the lake “the moat” and the lake they call “the crocodile pool”. The most visible remains are now located to the south and west of the lake.