Ratlinghope
From Ars Magica
Contents |
Situation
Saxton Map: Rodichap
Pronounciation "Ratchup"
Ratlinghope sits in the steep valley of Darnford Brook in the Betchcott Hills. About 1km south-west of tht, the Brook flows into the River East Onny. To the North site Ratlinghope Hill and Stitt Hill, which have a number of hill sites on them. Stitt itself lies about 1.5 km north, or longer by a practical walking route. Church Stretton lies about 6-7km ESE, across the high ground of The Long Mynd
There is a geological oddity in the area - "Ratlinghope conglomerate" - quartz pebbles ser in more or less compact red sand matrix".
History
The name is apparently derived from "Rotel's secluded valley".
Domesday
4 Land of Earl Roger
4,5 Holding of Robert Son of Corbet under Earl Roger
4.5.2 Robert also holds Ratlinghope (Rotelinghope). Siward held it. 2 hides. They are and were waste.
Colonisation and cultivation seems to have happened about a century later.
Post-Domesday
There was a priory of Augustine canons here in the 2th century, and Ratlinghope became a cell of Wigmore Abbey.
Various ancient tools have been found in the area, together with Roman coins.
Between 1199 and 1209 the manor was acquired by Walter Corbet, and ASugustinian canon from Wigmore Abbey in North Herefordshire. He later transfered about 60 acres of land at Ratlinghope to the abbey. A cell for a prior and seven brethren had been founded here by 1209.By the mid-thirteenth century the canons were cultivating as far as the lower slopes of The Long Mynd. By 1291 the land was valued at £-12-0 per annum (including income from tennants), including 10s income froma corn mill, allthough the priory only had four cows and ten sheep.
Church
St Margaret - Rebuilt c1788, and previously.
Castle
Castle Ring 1km north, is a British hill fort, as is Ratlinghope Camp, somewhat closer. Both were probably built as cattle enclosures.
