Bucklebury Pound

The Pound is marked on the OS six inch map Reference Berkshire XXXVI surveyed 1877-78 and published 1883. Whilst not marked on the map published in 1900, it is also marked on the six inch OS map Reference Berkshire XXXVI.SW published in 1913.

It therefore pre-dates 1877 and was a significant landmark at that time. Earlier dating is not possible, but it is likely that, even if the Pound is of 19th century date, it marks the site or existence of an earlier Pound.

Animal Pounds were widely used across England, and most villages would have had one by the 16th or 17th century. Cattle or other straying beasts were taken to the pound (impounded), and held there until their owners could reclaim them, usually on payment of a fine or fee. If the animal was unclaimed, or the owner could not pay, the animal could be sold.

This Pound is on the Bucklebury Estate, which dates back to Tudor times, although there is no dating evidence which can be used to confirm when the Pound was constructed prior to its mapping by OS. Of the fifteen or so Pounds in West Berkshire whose sites are noted on the HER, all are described as of 19th century origin.