Home | Locations | FAQ's & History

Pounds and Pinfolds

fbpounds.jpg
Field Broughton Pound, Cumbria

Latest News:

Use of Manorial Records for research into the management of Pounds and Pinfolds. My report on The Poundfolds and Pinfolds of Cumbria may be viewed at www.derwentfells.com    

Somerset Pinfolds: I am compiling a list of pounds and pinfolds in Somerset after being told about ones at Croscombe and Oakhill both in north Somerset. Can anyone give me any details please?

Pinfolds still exist in the Isle of Man and I have located 2. A partially complete one at St Johns and a complete one just outside Port Erin. Do you know of any more? Contact me on

Welcome to the Pounds and Pinfolds web site run by Nigel Mills and supported by the Field Broughton Local Historical Society (FBLHS)....... 
 
Pounds and Pinfolds were originally built to hold animals found straying from their owner's land or grazing on the common without common rights. The animals would only be released on payment of a fine to the Pinder who was an officer of the Lord of the Manor. 
 
Each village or township as early as the 16th century would probably have had a Pound or Pinfold but relatively few remain today. Surviving Pounds and Pinfolds are often listed buildings but many more are falling into disrepair and disappearing from the landscape.
 
The intention of this website is to raise awareness of these modest buildings by identifying all of the surviving examples, recording their location and condition and encouraging their restoration or preservation. 
 

I have already located a number of Pounds and Pinfolds in Cumbria, sponsored by The Friends of the Lake District. I am currently researching the history of these usually modest structures to find out who built them, who appointed the Pinder, how they were used and misused, their legal framework, the impact their use had on the rural community and why they fell into their present largely neglected state. 

pb120018a.jpg
Edenhall Pinfold, Cumbria

 
Pinfolds come in all shapes and sizes and since they ceased to be used for their original purpose they have been put to various uses. Some have been roofed to provide dry storage, some have seats and several are now used as a children's playground. This one at Edenhall, Cumbria is a well kept and productive sheltered  garden.  

Funding to restore a Pound or Pinfold is available from several sources. It does take a concerted effort to identify the most appropriate source and also to find a local dry stone waller or skilled craftsman who has an interest in restoration and a knowledge of  the building techniques necessary to keep the original look of the structure. 

 

staveley.jpg
Staveley-in-Cartmel Pound

 
 
The Pound at Staveley-in-Cartmel has been "modernised" with an added window and roof and its condition is now gradually deteriorating.
 
Have you ever wondered what is the difference between a Pound and a Pinfold? or where sheepfolds, bields and stells fit into the picture then click below for the answer to these and other FAQ's about Pounds and Pinfolds. 

Click here to find the answer!

If you have an interest in Pounds and Pinfolds, if you know of one near you, if you have already restored or repaired one or if you can tell me anything about the history and use of them please contact me using the link below.

This web site will be used to record the existence and condition of pounds and pinfolds, offer contributed practical advice on seeking funds to preserve them and share the existence of any historical knowledge.

I am also seeking any historical references to pounds and pinfolds on old maps, church and parish records, manor court records and any information on the keeper of the pound, the Pinder. If you can help please contact me using the link below.

Project of the Field Broughton Historical Society, Field Broughton, Cumbria