URPoint Details
Cotton derives from an old English word ‘cotes’, which signifies the dwellings of Saxons who held land here by tenure from the lord of the manor. As for the ‘End’ of the village name, outlying districts of large parishes and towns were, from medieval times referred to as ‘Ends’ or Endships.
On the crest of the hill in the depths of Exeter Wood, lies a mound with surrounding ditch, likely to have been a Norman watchtower, well positioned for observing the Ouse Valley. It measures 90ft across the mound. Although no remains can be seen above ground, coins have been found in the fields. The name ‘Exeter Wood’ is a reminder that much of the land was once owned by Lord Exeter until the late 1800s.
The Manor Farm House dates from the 16th century and was originally an ‘E’ shaped Elizabethan house. Although suffering the ravages of fire, the house still retains some Tudor windows and massive chimney stacks, an interesting square porch and at the back is the dovecote.
Location: 3½ miles south of Bedford
- Type:
- Landmark