Fresden & Maggot Mill examined

Fresden is a small location that lies on the border of the parish of Watchfield (formerly Berks now Oxon) but within the parish of Highworth (Wilts). There are marks within the ground at the site that some historians believe are the remains of a medieaval village. Indeed the site is listed and protected by Historic England as an ancient monument. However, modern technology in the form of Lidar provides a much clearer view and casts doubt on that interpretation. Historical documentation confirms that that there were two features at the site, a farm house and a mill, both bearing the name of 'Maggot Mill' and 'Maggot Mill Farm.' The location of the house and the presence of a brook downhill from it, suggests that the mill must have been water powered rather that wind. Then there is the enigma of the name Fresden ...

Wiith this listing we have brought all the evidence known so far and have presented it in one PDF file that can be read and downloaded HERE.