Scheduled MonumentsEnglandDeserted village

Deserted village

England
List entry 1002335
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Deserted village is a medieval settlement site located in Durham, England, that has been abandoned since the post-medieval period. The site preserves archaeological remains of a once-functioning village community, with earthworks and surface features indicative of domestic occupation, agricultural activity, and settlement patterns typical of medieval rural England. Such deserted villages represent important evidence for understanding demographic change, economic upheaval, and land use transformation during and after the medieval period, when many English villages were depopulated through enclosure, plague impact, or economic reorganisation. The site's archaeological character and survival make it a significant resource for studying the material culture and settlement history of medieval Durham and the wider northern English landscape.

Deserted village is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002335. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Deserted village?

Deserted village is a medieval settlement site located in Durham, England, that has been abandoned since the post-medieval period. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002335.

Who is responsible for protecting Deserted village?

Deserted village is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1002335.

What other scheduled monuments are near Deserted village?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Coatham Mundeville medieval village, fishpond and areas of rig and furrow (4 km), Ketton Bridge (4.8 km), Middleham Castle (7.3 km).

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