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GROTON POUND
Groton Parish Council is delighted to tell you that this is the last remaining wall of Groton Pound, which consisted of a four sided brick compound approximately 20 feet square and 6 feet high, with a wooden five bar gate at the entrance.
Vice Chairman, Jeremy Osborne, has researched the history of the village pound on behalf of Groton Parish Council. The name derives from the Anglo Saxon word pund, meaning an enclosure and is one of the most ancient English institutions, with references in documents dating back to the 12th century. It was used to keep animals that had been rounded up after straying, or had been taken as distress (a seizure of property in recompense for a debt in order to enforce payment). The animals were kept under the care of the pinder or pound keeper until they were reclaimed or released and any necessary fees or fines paid. The pound keeper was initially appointed and controlled by the Lord of the Manor and later by the Church authorities.The presence of pounds, many of which have disappeared, is often indicated (as here in Groton) by names such as Pound Lane and Pound Field.
It is very difficult to date pounds, as they were not important enough constructions to be recorded and, here in Suffolk, many were timber built and have rotted away. The few that survive (such as those in Beccles, Blundeston, Kedington and Wrentham) are brick replacements, probably dating from the 18th or 19th centuries. Pounds remained in use until the late 19th or early 20th century.
As this is such an important part of Groton's historical heritage the Councillors have worked to preserve this wall as well as have its historical significance highlighted with a plaque.
Groton Parish council applied for a grant from 02 it's your Community Awards and were successful. The £100.00 grant has paid for the plaque which highlights the historical significance of the Pound to residents and tourist alike.
St Bartholomew's PCC have kindly agreed to a book containing the history of the Pound to be available in the church for visitors to study.