The deserted
medieval settlement of Stainsby is a bit of an oddity, sited, as it is, near to
thriving conurbations and a busy dual carriageway. There’s not a lot of it
left, save for a few lumps and bumps in a field a little to the west of the
bustling A19, near Thornaby.
With mention in
the Domesday Book and its place-name derivation, the village’s roots lie well
before the coming of the Conqueror – most likely being founded in the Viking
era (from Steinn-by, Steinn’s
settlement). It is reportedly shown as effectively deserted on a 1757 map, with
only a single farm remaining, but it is not known when or why it was abandoned.
As with many such cases, the Black Death or raiding Scots may have been a
factor, but it is more likely down to fluctuating populations and/or financial
fortunes.
Basically, the
old place was arranged in two rows of enclosures/plots either side of a central
track, though the layout was more complex, or random, than most of its type. Being
a Scheduled Ancient Monument , it was deliberately spared when the modern-day A19 was laid around
1970. Intriguingly, though, a WWII pillbox was built amidst the ‘ruins’ when
the defence of nearby Thornaby Aerodrome was at stake during hostilities.
[The above was
based on information at Tees Archaeology’s website + fabulous image here]
Remember, if you'd like to submit a short article for the 'North-East History Tour' then see the link at the top of the page. Anyone can do it!
No comments:
Post a Comment