The Butts

The Butts formed the western stretch of the old town defences first built on 1384,  and used in medieval times as an archery practice field. Because of the town's history of violent raids, every may over 12 years of age would be expected to practice after attending church. The English longbow was a formidable weapon, its arrows capable of piercing four inches of oak. It is believed that Henry V's archers practiced here before sailing for France and their famous victory at Agincourt. The Delf Stream was greatly improved by Dutch water engineers in the later 15th century. With their skills learnt on the Polders of Holland, they made new cuts to the Delf and built many sluices so that all of the fields could be irrigated. So good was their network of artificial streams that these formed the water supply and sewers for the whole of Sandiwch until the late nineteenth century. South Polders Sluice connects the Delf Stream waters with the Butts Stream, passing towards the River Stour. Approaching the main road are some well restored cottages behind which can be glympsed the gardens of Manwood Court.