In the 15th century, the manor was held by the Catesby family who were probably responsible for clearing the settlement, for by 1505, the records show that there were no tenants.

In 1508, the parish, including the cleared settlement of Althorp, was sold to John Spencer of Wormleighton in Warwickshire.

By 1577, the land in the parish had been divided into four large sheep pastures.

The main feature is a broad hollow way which runs up the hillside and is 1.5 metres in depth.

There are several platforms on the south side of the hollow which are thought to be the sites of dwellings.