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Willian Deserted Earthworks

Deserted village earthworks, Willian. The medieval village at Willian was larger than its present day successor, and, as at Pirton , there are surviving earthwork remains which show where some of these earlier houses and enclosures stood. In the 14th and 15th centuries the English population fell sharply as the climate deteriorated, and as epidemic diseases, such as the ‘Black Death’, arrived from the Continent. Many village settlements ‘shrank’ or were even totally deserted as a result; Willian evidently declined, but was not abandoned. The clearest evidence is in the form of some impressive earthworks near the village pond, on the northern side of the road. These show the line of a large hollow way (track), and several enclosures and raised house platforms. Further buildings are known to have stood south of the church, but these are not visible above-ground.

From the A1(M) take the A6141 to Letchworth, turn left down Baldock Lane to Willian. Park in the village and take the footpath on the right at The Green (opposite the Public House, and near the junction with Willian Church Road). Keeping the pond on your left, follow the path up a gradual slope. The earthworks, which are bordered by woodland, can be seen all around you. Grid reference TL 223 308.

Map showing Willian Deserted Earthworks