Hidden Henley

DESPITE its name, a pound in years gone by had nothing to do with currency, although money was involved, and it is rare for such a place like this one in Fingest to survive.

Sometimes called a Pinfold, this was an enclosure that often dates to medieval times for impounding stray animals and livestock until claimed by their owners.

It was important to not just keep the animals safe but to prevent them causing damage, spreading disease or obstructing horses and carts.

The village tally-man would cut marks or notches in a stick before cutting it in half so that both pieces showed part of these notches. Once the fee was paid the owner was given half of the stick to take to the Pinder in charge of the pound. Both halves would have to match for the animals to be released.