Butterlaw, ridge and furrow

Ridge and furrow of Medieval or Post Medieval date seen as earthworks and levelled earthworks on aerial photographs {1}. Extensive ridge and furrow earthworks survive at Westerhope golf course, which is within the former extent of Newburn, Walbottle and Butterlaw Common as seen on a plan of 1620, which suggests that the extant earthworks relate to ploughing which took place after the common was enclosed. Some of the best ridge and furrow earthworks in Tyne and Wear survive on golf courses (e.g. Gosforth, Whitley Bay and Wrekenton) because the land remains under grass with minimum landscaping for planting, greens and bunkers. The ridge and furrow at Butterlaw is straight and narrow, suggesting a late date.