The 'Birds Nest Site' is located on Battersbee Road, to the west of Battersbee Walk. It comprises the remains of a 14c lodge surrounded by a moat. The site is not located within a conservation Area. Reference Number: SM17027. Grid Reference: SK552059.
The moated lodge known as Birds Nest Lodge was the centre of the former Leicester Frith Park, first mentioned in 1297 and much reduced in size in 1526 to create "The New Parks".
It was formerly a lodge of Leicester Forest (Lancaster property), and was first mentioned in 1362. In 1377-78, the moat was first excavated and the lodge rebuilt. The moat was 28 feet wide, 8 feet deep and a bridge was built with 3 bays.
The names of the workmen are recorded as Robert Hod, Adam Irysh, William Redford and Robert Ireland, and they repaired the roof with 1,500 Swithland slates. In connection with the reorganisation in 1526 there is reference to "scouring the moat and casting away the stuff", and the construction of a drawbridge. (Fox & Russell, 1948)
A survey of 1560 describes seven bays on the south side, eight on the west, three on the east, and nine on the north. There was a hall of three bays, stairs beyond this, and two bays over the porters ward. We also know that there were seven chimneys in all. (Fox & Russell, 1948)
The map below shows the Birds Nest Site from the Ordnance Survey of 1884-1888, superimposed upon a modern map of the area. The map is based on OS Mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes copyright and may lead to prosecution. Leicester City Council Licence 100019264 (2009).
The site is now surrounded by the post-war development of New Parks housing estate and has been used as a football pitch. It is barely recognisable today as a Monument at all. The earthworks are slight or non-existent; but the outline of the moat can still be made out.
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For further information on the Birds Nest Site, contact the City Archaeologist in the Design and Conservation Team.
