Page 19 - Ickford NP Background Evidence

ICKFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN : BACKGROUND EVIDENCE REPORT 19

Historical Environment
and Townscape

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Count of Mortain. A second manor (probably that at
recognises the importance and value of the historic Little Ickford) was granted to Miles Crispin. By the mid-
environment to local character and ‘sense of place’. It 14th century these estates had been combined and were
encourages a positive approach to the conservation and known as Great Ickford Manor.The manorial history of
enjoyment of the historic environment, including heritage Ickford can be found in The Victoria County History.
assets most at risk through neglect, decay or other threats. The earliest parts of the church date from the Norman
Heritage assets are an irreplaceable resource and should period, and there is a reference to Ickford Bridge dated
be conserved in a manner appropriate to their significance. 1237.
Plans should consider putting heritage assets to viable uses Throughout the medieval period Ickford was an
consistent with their conservation and mindful of the wider agricultural settlement, and the village is surrounded by
social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits that historic ridge and furrow. The clay soils are heavy to plough,
conservation of the historic environment can bring. New and with the development of the wool trade much of the
development should make a positive contribution to local surrounding land would have been enclosed as sheep
character and distinctiveness. pasture. There is an archaeological site to the south of the A
Early origins:The name Ickford is thought to derive Church Farm complex which suggests part of the
from the Old English Icca’s ford. The suffix ford is self- settlement was abandoned at some stage during the
explanatory, the prefix is likely to be the name of an medieval period. Remnants of fish ponds, house platforms
individual. The settlement grew up close to a crossing and roads have been identified.
of the River Thame. Ickford is mentioned in the The medieval Ickford Bridge was rebuilt in 1685 (with
Domesday book of 1086 as Iforde when it formed part later alterations). A Cromwellian Civil war earthwork,
of Bernwood Forest. After the Conquest the manor at likely to have been used to guard Ickford Bridge is noted
Ickford was granted by William the Conqueror to the on the HER.
VISION FOR ICKFORD – NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN
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