The bank is a potential rabbit warren earthwork

Good news to start 2012.   The West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service has told us that they will be registering both the milk churn stand, and Clapper Brow with historical environment records (HER monument records).

Because of the name, the lie of the land, the soil, and historic ownership in the vicinity, we believe that parts of Clapper Brow may be an ancient rabbit warren.   Clapper is a term meaning ‘rabbit’, and the field has three diagonal earthworks that could well have been deliberately made for the farming of our little furry friends.

Rabbit farming was an important part of rural economies from the late thirteenth century.  The warrens were often owned by local manors and had their own warreners to look after them.  The Archologists have promised to come and have a good look at the site, when they are next in the area, and have suggested that we apply to the Hertitage LotteryFund to undertake an earthwork survey, and put up an interpretation board on the site.  The Heritage Lottery Fund helps communities learn about and participate in the conservation of their heritage.